ROCKLAND – District Attorney Natasha Irving issued an update April 3 concerning the steps that have been implemented and are continuing to operate with her office, law enforcement, the judiciary system, and the department of corrections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Irving has been the chief prosecutor for Knox, Waldo, Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties since 2018.

“I hope you are all well and staying safe and healthy. I am pleased that the Governor has issued a stay at home order as the science tells us that this is the fastest, safest and most efficient way to “flatten the curve” and save lives. I appreciate how seriously my community is taking this epidemic and I am confident that the work we are doing now will pay off in spades. For our people who have lost their jobs and to our businesses who have had to shut their doors, I hope that our federal and state law makers will support you in this time of need as your work has been the backbone of our state,” Irving stated in her April 3 update.

“I am sure you have all seen the headlines regarding our neighbors from out of state, and how they have become the target of violence and intimidation of a small number of people who do not represent the spirit or the heart of Maine people. What was not reported is that others came to help, and we must always remember in times like these that there so many more of us here to help than us here to hurt. We are actively investigating this crime, and actions such as these will not be tolerated. We are all worried about our health, and the health of our loved ones, and we are all learning how to live through this without a frame of reference. Worry and fear can make us do things we wouldn’t ordinarily, but please remember that law enforcement is here to help keep us safe, and that if you are worried about someone not following the orders meant to keep us safe, call your local police and we can help. This virus has changed so much about how we live, but we cannot let it change who we are and what we stand for.”

“As I explained last week and the week before, our office has been working hand in hand with law enforcement and the judiciary to ensure our jail population is a the safest level possible for those incarcerated and working at the jails, but also ensuring that no violent or dangerous offenders are released. I have agreed to release all of those who do not pose a threat to public safety, and we are now fighting to make sure dangerous and violent offenders are not released. We will continue to fight to keep our community safe in the face of surmounting pressure to release individuals based on number of months left to serve or number of people incarcerated, instead of looking at each case individually and the need to protect victims of violence and sexual assault. More to come.”

Knox County Sheriff Tim Carroll released a statement March 24 stating that the number of inmates at Knox County Jail had been reduced by 25 percent, and other ways to reduce the population even further were being evaluated.

Carroll said: “We all take our responsibility seriously to ensure that we only release after thorough review, discussion, and consideration. It is certainly a team effort of corrections staff, administration, our programming partners, the District Attorney’s Office, Justices of the State, and Defense Attorney’s carefully reviewing before allowing persons out of confinement.”

“Part of the review process is to ensure those released have safe and adequate arrangements to go to for living accommodations and, if appropriate, we ensure they have a job to go to as well. In most circumstances, it is my signature that allows those individuals out on release. I assure you that I take that authority and responsibility very seriously and do so with heavy thoughts of the public’s safety always in mind,” Carroll added.

In a press release March 19, Irving said that law enforcement is only arresting individuals if necessary for public safety. 

“If an officer is exposed, their health is at risk, and they will be taken out of our communities when we need them most,” Irving said.

“Bringing anyone to the jail that does not absolutely have to be there increases the risk of an outbreak at the jail, endangering corrections officers and incarcerated citizens.”

She said the directive has been “extremely successful” in District 6 (Knox, Waldo, Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties).

Irving has directed prosecutors to work from home at all times possible. Additionally, administrative, investigative and victim advocacy team members employed by the counties are working from home, and those employees who cannot work from home are taking every precaution and working in different shifts.

Defense counsel are not entering the jails and are continuing to represent clients through phone or video.

Irving confirmed that when people are arrested and in custody, a change in scheduling allows them to be put in front of a judge through video conferencing so no one is being held in jail unless absolutely necessary for public safety.

“My prosecutorial staff have argued to hold some individuals that we believe needed to be held, but have made agreements for bail conditions for non-violent, non-dangerous offenders,” Irving said.

According to the State of Maine Judicial Branch website, the public continues to have limited access to the eight courthouses in District 6.

Most of the basic probate, district attorney, deeds, finance and administrative services are still being provided by telephone and email by staff during regular business hours. Please consult the websites for the individual counties to verify the operations of these departments.

The Maine Judicial Branch confirms that the courthouses will remain open and sufficiently staffed for the public, but “you should only go to a courthouse if you are required to be there, or if you are seeking protection from abuse or harassment.” 

As of April 9, anyone entering a courthouse will be asked about exposure to or symptoms of COVID-19.

Sarah Shepherd can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com