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Wolff asks SAPD to minimize arrests requiring jail time amid coronavirus outbreak

"Jails can inadvertently become incubators and amplifiers for a contagious illness," he said.

SAN ANTONIO — Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff is asking for all local law enforcement to minimize custodial arrests to avoid unnecessary jail time during the coronavirus outbreak.

Wolff's letter to San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg asked for the San Antonio Police Department to use cite and release methods whenever possible, particularly for non-violent offenses.

"Although jails absolutely serve a purpose, during a pandemic event, they can inadvertently become incubators and amplifiers for a contagious illness," Wolff said in his letter.

He said that this past weekend, "six apparently homeless people (were) arrested for criminal trespass."

Wolff said he was making the request also in cooperation with Bexar County DA Joe Gonzales and Sheriff Javier Salazar.

March 16, 2020 Mayor Ron Nirenberg 115 Plaza de Armas, 2- Floor San Antonio, TX. 78005 Mayor Nirenberg, This is a follow up to my request to you to have the City of San Antonio Police Department minimize custodial arrests by using Cite and Release, and filing nor violent offenses at large to the extent possible.

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