Introduction
In emergencies, vulnerable populations, especially the incarcerated, face increased risks. This toolkit provides organizers and advocates with strategies to uphold the rights and well-being of incarcerated individuals during critical times.
By addressing the unique challenges of emergencies—such as natural disasters and public health crises—advocates can effectively support those disproportionately affected. The toolkit ensures that the voices of those impacted by incarceration are heard and their needs met, promoting a more equitable justice system where all individuals deserve dignity and support in times of crisis.
Purpose of the toolkit:
Provides organizers and advocates with an outline of how to approach situations to advocate for those incarcerated during times of emergency and disasters
How to use the toolkit:
The highlighted yellow sections are the main sections of the report that may be included. Below there are also color-coded sequences below of what the desired reader might need to know about how it affects the community and in coordination with the sample.
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Sample Report
In September 2024, Northeastern Tennessee experienced a catastrophic flood that can be only described as biblical in its scale and devastation. With North Eastern Tennessee being hit particularly hard, entire communities submerged and lives upended.
This section should include an explanation of the disaster and the impact on the local community
Cocke County: Emotional and Practical Support in Rebuilding
In Cocke County, the recent unprecedented flooding has not only devastated homes and businesses but has also tested the very fabric of the community. Families are in desperate need of their loved ones, as the challenges of rebuilding after such a catastrophic event require more than just physical resources; they need the emotional and practical support that only those closest can provide. The bonds of kinship and friendship are essential as the community rallies together to restore what has been lost, facing the aftermath with resilience and determination.
Greene County: Water Crisis and the Incarcerated
Meanwhile, Greene County is grappling with the dual impact of flooding, which has severely damaged the intake for the county's water supply. This critical infrastructure failure has left the entire community—including facilities like the jail—without access to clean water for the foreseeable future. The lack of access to clean water, combined with sanitary challenges during a natural disaster create avoidable health problems for incarcerated people, as Hurricane Ian demonstrated in Florida in 2020 The situation adds another layer of urgency to an already strained environment, forcing residents and local authorities to seek alternative solutions while also addressing the emotional toll of the disaster. As they come together to navigate this crisis, the spirit of cooperation and mutual support will be vital in overcoming these significant challenges.
As communities in Northeastern Tennessee grapple with the aftermath of the flood, the resilience of the people shines through in their collective efforts to rebuild and support one another during these trying times.
Incarceration Concerns
A Compassionate Call: Release Pretrial Detainees to Save Lives
Cash Bonds Are Not Worth People's Lives. Among those incarcerated in both Greene and Cocke counties and North Eastern Tennessee are people held on pretrial detention. People in pretrial detention are eligible for release based on cash bail, yet many remain incarcerated simply due to financial hardship. Along with people in pretrial detention, a large number are accused of low-level, nonviolent offenses. Three out of four criminal cases in state trial courts are for misdemeanors that, if proved, would result in fines and or less than a year in jail (Schauffler, 2016). This translates to money being the determinant of a tremendous health threat. We strongly implore the release of pretrial detainees immediately without any condition; these cash bonds are not worth people's lives. Since the average duration of pretrial detention is an estimated 27 days, there is much concern for the safety of community members for what are often minor offenses. Given the above, "business as usual" would be irresponsible for the safety of our county, state, and country. We implore an immediate halt to holding new people in Greene ,Cocke and North Eastern Tennessee counties Detention facilities and arresting entities move to cite and release.
Redirect Incarceration Funds to Public Health and Community Needs
The cost of incarceration should be going to public health and the rapid response of the community's needs. This unprecedented natural disaster has already impacted our local economy and the economic security of both Greene and Cocke County residents as well as North Eastern Tennessee counties. The cost of incarceration should be going to public health and the rapid response of the community's needs. Incarceration increases poverty in low-income families due to overly high bonds, court costs, loss of working people in households, the stigma of having a criminal record, and monitoring expenses, among several other effects of incarceration.
Monitoring Issues
With release, electronic monitoring and probation would further be destructive to families' economic stability impacted by current financial insecurities due to low consumerism, the closing of businesses, and a decrease of goods and jobs. People who are released will be held to community agreements to follow all regulations, so a release without costly surveillance is reasonable and will not be compromised. It is time for our county leaders to make the best overall decisions for residents. Any decision to further worsen our residents' chance to recover from the current disaster could be suffered past the initial impact of this flood on our community.
The Urgent Need for Change
With the subsequent and lawful release of people and the knowledge of the disaster, maintaining the jail's population and "business as usual" would be negligent for the safety of our county, state, and country. With the current presence
and projected increase of people impacted by the flooding in our communities, staff and attorneys ability to interact with incarcerated individuals is concerning. Not to mention the resources it takes to house these individuals could be redirected to much more meaningful projects. Also, since the average duration of pretrial detention is 27 days, there is much concern for the consequent community impact. With the possibility of the community impact from housing individuals in detention facilities, other precautionary actions are mandatory. With the subsequent and lawful release of people and the knowledge of the flood's overall impact , maintaining the jail's population and status quo " would be considered negligent and liable.
A Moment of Action, Not Politics
This is not a moment for politics or capitalism. As city, county officials, and employees, many of you took an oath to serve and protect and do what is in the best interest of the public. It is within your authority to take this threat to our public health seriously and respond with hast. The key to beating this is to be proactive instead of reactive. This moment in history will change the course of our community going forward. This is not a moment for politics or capitalism; this is the moment the community as a whole will remember. In this time, if history looks back at Greene, Cocke and North Eastern Tennessee Counties, will we be remembered as places that could have saved countless time, money and lives or places that decided to continue with the status quo? Just like Nashville's sheriff proclaimed during the disaster of the pandemic, "we cannot continue "business as usual." As a letter from D.A. around the country during COVID 19 stated towards the release of incarcerated people, "We, as elected prosecutors, have an obligation to protect the safety and wellbeing of everyone in our community, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or country of origin. Those obligations extended behind prison walls, just like the disaster of the flood, require elected prosecutors to step up in this time of growing public health concerns to address the needs and rights of individuals in these facilities. This is a moment for decisive action that prioritizes the safety of all, including the incarcerated–one of the most vulnerable groups during natural disasters.
Prioritize the Safety and Well-Being of Incarcerated People
Floodwaters have devastating consequences, not just physically but emotionally and socially. Families are expressing significant concern and anxiety about their loved ones, whether they're being evacuated, displaced, or housed in emergency shelters. Lack of information about safety measures, evacuation plans, and the status of their homes is causing widespread fear and distress. The collateral damage extends beyond property—it has severe impacts on mental health and community cohesion.
This is especially true for those incarcerated in local jails and detention centers. Incarcerated individuals are uniquely vulnerable during natural disasters, as they are entirely dependent on facility staff for their safety and well-being. If evacuation becomes necessary, ensuring the timely and safe movement of those incarcerated must be prioritized.
Resource Allocation
Jails may divert critical resources (like food, water, and medical care) away from the broader community, leading to worse outcomes for both incarcerated individuals and the general public. The risk of flooding to these facilities can lead to catastrophic consequences if adequate action is not taken. Families are already anxious about the safety of their loved ones, and not knowing if incarcerated people are being properly protected adds to their distress. In addition, poor conditions resulting from flooding, such as a lack of clean water or electricity, can lead to severe health and safety concerns within these facilities. Individuals have little to no control over their circumstances, raising ethical questions about their treatment during emergencies.
7.) Any statute/codes/laws that can back up claims Example:
Tennessee Corrections Institute T.C.A. 1400-01-.04 Physical Plant
(18) Access to potable water shall be located in all housing areas. In existing facilities, if the water from sinks is potable, drinking cups must be made available.
This requirement applies only to Type I, II, and III Facilities.
Preparing for Future Challenges
Furthermore, it is crucial to recognize we are still in the midst of hurricane season. This means the risk of severe weather and additional flooding is still very much present. Being complacent or unprepared is not an option when the potential for multiple storms looms over our community. Our response to this current flood must be swift and comprehensive, keeping in mind that we may face furthur weather-related challenges in the coming weeks. FEMA has just announced they do not have enough funds to make it through the current hurricane season therefore its imperative that communities conserve as many resources as possible.
Learning from Past Successes
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Knoxville implemented temporary reforms to its bail statutes aimed at reducing jail populations to prevent virus outbreaks. These changes included releasing individuals allowing them to await trial at home rather than in jail. As this took effect, officials closely monitored crime rates and found that, contrary to concerns, crime did not increase. Encouraged by these results, Knoxville made these changes permanent, recognizing that the pretrial detention system had been unnecessarily harsh and that many individuals could be safely released without compromising public safety. Just as Knoxville adjusted its bail statutes during COVID to protect public health and reduce unnecessary incarceration, we implore the northeastern counties to do the same in the wake of the recent floods. These devastating floods have already placed immense strain on communities, particularly those who are economically vulnerable. Detaining individuals who cannot afford bail only exacerbates the hardship, forcing them to endure possible dangerous jail conditions while their families struggle with the aftermath of the disaster.
Releasing people as Knoxville and others have in the past successfully demonstrated, not only alleviates jail overcrowding but also allows people to focus on rebuilding their lives without the additional burden of pretrial detention. This is an opportunity for these counties to prioritize community resilience and justice by adopting compassionate and pragmatic measures in the face of crisis.
Along with the explanation of the importance of releasing people in this report, we stand in solidarity with the Coalition of Justice and Accountability- Jail and Court Committee with adjustments made for the Northeastern Counties of Tennessee. We urge you to follow in the steps of other state leaders, such as those in Nashville, and other cities around the country when disaster strikes, and make the safest decision for Northeastern Tennessee Counties. (Greene, Unicoi, Hamblen, Cocke, Washington, Sullivan, Carter, Johnson)
Emergency Power Delegation:
2. Resource Allocation and Health Management:
3. Communications and Transparency:
4. Immediate Halt to New Incarcerations:
5. Infrastructure and Evacuation Preparedness:
6. Financial Support and Phone Access:
7. Legal and Human Rights Protection:
8. Reduce Court Traffic:
9. Legal and Liability Considerations:
10. Support for Mental Health and Social Connection:
11. Learning from Past Successes: