Inmate work programs under the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office are being put on hold as a precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And some of the inmates who spend their days working outside the jail may be able to now serve their time at home, according to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone announced Thursday that the jail work furlough and work release programs will be temporarily suspended starting Friday night. The programs allow those who are eligible to work or continue with their education outside of the jail while serving their sentence.

The Adult Probation Department determines a person's eligibility to participate in the work furlough program. The work release program is court ordered and inmates are only incarcerated during the hours and days on a confinement order.

People in the programs have been convicted of nonviolent crimes such as driving under the influence, solicitation and fraud. Many have shorter sentences.

"The purpose of this suspension is to ensure the safety of MCSO personnel as well as the inmate population by preventing inmates from leaving and re-entering the jail system daily," the Sheriff's Office stated.

Inmates to be sent home

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office announced inmates participating in the work furlough program will be able to return to their own homes at night instead of jail.

The office is working with the Sheriff's Office and the Adult Probation Department.

The County Attorney's Office does not have jurisdiction over the Sheriff's Office work release program.

Prosecutors and probation officers will seek to modify a probationer's sentence instead of holding participants in custody once the program's suspension is over, according to the county attorney.

The Sheriff's Office is working with the county attorney, adult probation and the courts to execute release orders. Inmates not given a release order must report back to their assigned facility no later than 6 p.m. on Friday.

Inmates must remain in custody until the Sheriff's Office receives an order from the court.

Changes to charges

Maricopa County Attorney's Office prosecutors are also now taking the COVID-19 pandemic into consideration when charging cases.

In addition to modifying the work furlough cases,they are looking at other requests for modification of release conditions for those in custody on a case by case basis.

“However, we will also continue to ensure that those who pose a danger and seek to harm others will be held accountable," Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel said in a statement. "COVID-19 does not mean that victims of domestic violence, children living with abusers, businesses who are burglarized, or other victims of crime should live in fear.”

Have thoughts about Arizona's legal system? Reach criminal justice reporter Lauren Castle at Lauren.Castle@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @Lauren_Castle.

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