About 30 members and supporters of the Greene County Coalition for Compassionate Justice gathered across from Greene County Jail in Xenia last Saturday, July 11, to call on county leaders to reduce the jail population during, and beyond, the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Bring down the Greene County Jail population permanently,” speaker Kate LeVesconte urged, drawing strong applause. Other speakers, including Leon Anderson and Jim Leonard, asked the county to increase COVID testing in jail; to strengthen safety protocols in jail, including requiring masks of jail employees; and to follow new guidance from the Ohio Supreme Court to reform bail, one of several measures that could reduce the jail population over the long term.

The coalition evolved from a local citizens group that successfully opposed a sales tax increase that would have funded a new and larger jail. Members now seek a variety of criminal justice reforms in the county.

Learn more by visiting the Greene County Coalition for Compassionate Justice Facebook page.