Letter to the Hon. Robert Morin, Chief Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, and the Hon. Robert Anthony Dixon, U.S. Marshal for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia - Norton Urges D.C. Court, U.S. Marshals Service to Ensure Safety of Personnel and Inmates During Coronavirus Pandemic

Letter

Dear Chief Judge Morin and Marshal Dixon:

Yesterday, my office received troubling reports about practices that could put the health of arrestees, court personnel and U.S. marshals at risk, and I urge you take steps to reduce the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.

We were informed that while marshals were wearing disposable gloves, they did not change these gloves between handling arrestees. Additionally, we were informed that arrestees were made to stand very close together, which does not follow the guidelines of having an appropriate distancing between individuals so as to help prevent transmission of the coronavirus. We also understand that the arrestees were not given soap or toilet paper while in the holding cells, nor were the cells or holding blocks being sanitized after use. We also were informed that handcuffs and shackles were not sanitized after use. Finally, when the arrestees were made to sign forms, we understand that they shared a pen that likewise was not sanitized between uses.

I appreciate your looking into these matters to ensure the safety of the court and all those who interact with it, and request that you respond in writing within five days.

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