Media and Press


Take a closer look at what CHIP’s action and advocacy looks like, and get inspired to be in the next part of the CHIP story. Read our press releases for historical information about COVID-19 in Broward County Jails.

Our photo gallery includes pictures and videos from our in-person events, like noise demos and rallies. Listen to our podcast to hear stories from inside the jails, and other noteworthy news related to CHIP’s work. And see where CHIP’s advocacy has made it into the news.

Read CARE AND COVID IN BROWARD COUNTY JAILS: A REPORT BY CHIP


Press Releases and Newsletters


Press Release #6 (2/6/2021): COVID-19 Outbreak at Paul Rein Detention Spread by Staff

Months into the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, conditions in Broward County jails had become dangerous enough to attract the attention of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Finally, at the end of 2020, a settlement was reached between Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) and the ACLU to improve conditions.


Press Release #5 (11/7/2020): New Report Exposes Rampant Abuse in Broward County Jails

The Covid19 Hotline for Incarcerated People (CHIP) has documented hundreds of calls, detailing medical neglect and abuse in Broward County jails since the outset of the pandemic. …continue reading…


(de)CARcerate Broward County (10/19/2020): DEMANDS FOR BROWARD COUNTY CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES

It should not take media exposure and community-wide protests to ensure Broward County Correctional Facilities are held accountable to implementing ethical, legally required standards of care to those housed in their facilities. As such, we demand…
continue reading…


Press Release #4, (8/19/2020): DIRE CONDITIONS INSIDE BROWARD COUNTY JAILS AS PANDEMIC RAGES

As South Florida continues to see record high numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths, the conditions inside Broward County jails are dire. Despite a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union on June 5, prisoners who are calling the COVID-19 Hotline for Incarcerated People (CHIP) report that they face the same conditions that led to the lawsuit — or that conditions are getting worse.
…continue reading


Press Release #3, (6/2/2020): SOUTH FLORIDA JAILS: MEDICAL NEGLECT AND DESPERATE CONDITIONS EXPOSE NEED FOR IMMEDIATE DECARCERATION 

“With calls coming in from various Broward County facilities, it is now clear that the situation in Broward county jails and detention centers is reckless and life threatening. It’s simply not possible to keep people from getting sick inside jails during a pandemic,” says CHIP organizer Ruddy Turnstone. “There’s only one solution that protects incarcerated people and our communities: we need to decarcerate now.”
…continue reading


Press Release #2, (5/5/2020) : PRISON HOTLINE REPORTS DANGEROUS CONDITIONS INSIDE SOUTH FLORIDA JAILS

Despite official assurances that State and local officials are addressing dangerous conditions inside South Florida jails, the COVID-19 Hotline for Incarcerated People (CHIP) has documented detailed reports that contradict these claims. Prisoners describe an unsanitary and violent environment where medical neglect and crowded cells are rapidly fueling the spread of the novel coronavirus.
continue reading…


Press Release #1, (4/11/2020) : INMATES DESCRIBE DANGEROUS CONDITIONS IN SOUTH FLORIDA JAILS AMID PANDEMIC

In South Florida, organizers have established a free hotline for inmates to report on conditions and seek information, education, and support. Dozens of imprisoned people have called the hotline in its first week, with the number spreading by word-of-mouth within the facilities. Calls are increasing rapidly, with more people reaching out every day. The reports from inside are grim, with callers from some facilities reporting that they are not given soap or hand sanitizer, they are forced to share beds, and are unable to wash their hands regularly.
continue reading …


Videos

Care and COVID in Broward Jails Press Conference, November 1, 2020

In the News

70 Million Voices Podcast, October 4, 2021: Why COVID-19 Goes from Jails to Communities

This special roundtable of experts looks at how policing and incarceration practices are impacting COVID-19 rates in BIPOC communities around the country.

Miami New Times, May 04 2020: BROWARD INMATES FORCED TO PROTECT THEMSELVES WITH DIY SODA “SANITIZER” AND WORN-OUT MASKS

Though the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) assured the public in mid-April that it is diligently working to combat the spread of the disease, the COVID-19 Hotline for Incarcerated People (CHIP) has received multiple reports from inmates in the past week that contradict that promise.
..continue reading