The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is evaluating every inmate who is low-level, non-violent, and housed at Lerdo and the Central Receiving Facility (CRF) in response to COVID-19.

On March 17, 2020, 108 inmates were released from the Kern County Jail System. Seventy (70) inmates were released according to standard release procedures (Time Served, Own-Recognizance, Posted Bail, and Cite and Release). Thirty-eight (38) inmates were specifically released in response to COVID-19.

We are evaluating each inmate for early release based on their age, medical condition, and ultimately their pending charges. Public safety is the top priority and only inmates with non-violent charges will be considered. Some inmates meet the qualifications for expedited release, and others will be released into the Electronic Monitoring Program.

These contingency plans align with recommendations from Department of Public Health, Jail Health Services, and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within our jail facilities. By practicing in social distancing measures and the recommendations from local, state, and federal officials, we are doing our part to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.