DOC's Press Release Related to Public Visitation

DOC Press Release - DOC Reopens Public V

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To say that we are disappointed in the Department of Corrections decision to mandate vaccination in conjunction with eligibility to have a "secure visit" would be a major understatement.

Family members have been waiting over a year to visit with loved ones. To finally have some small access to our incarcerated loved ones, even if it is behind glass, only to learn that they must first be fully vaccinated before they can participate is another blow to the families of over 4000 incarcerated Alaskans. It also defies logic when staff and visiting vendors are NOT required to be vaccinated, and they come into direct contact with our incarcerated loved ones on a daily basis albeit with safety measures put in place to reduce the risk of spreading Covid19. Why should it be any different for visiting family members?

3AN-21-04325CI

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A recent Court Order (above) ruling by Justice Gandbhir made it quite clear that the Department of Corrections could not differentiate between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals when it came to client-attorney visitation. It stands to reason that the Court would most likely rule in the same manner in regards to this latest mandate from the DOC.

I guess the Department of Corrections never gets tired of losing in Court.