(LaPorte, IN) - The LaPorte Jail population has come down substantially early in 2020.

One reason is 20 or so low level offenders at high risk from COVID-19

were released as a precaution.

The biggest reason is a change in state law.

A few months ago, the Indiana Supreme ruled inmates cannot be held

simply because they can’t afford to post bail.

Sheriff John Boyd says the jail population has gone down from just over

400 at the end of 2019 to about 260 presently.

He says the released inmates still must answer to a probation officer

and some were placed on work release and home detention.

(LaPorte, IN) - The LaPorte Jail population has come down substantially early in 2020.

One reason is 20 or so low level offenders at high risk from COVID-19

were released as a precaution.

The biggest reason is a change in state law.

A few months ago, the Indiana Supreme ruled inmates cannot be held

simply because they can’t afford to post bail.

Sheriff John Boyd says the jail population has gone down from just over

400 at the end of 2019 to about 260 presently.

He says the released inmates still must answer to a probation officer

and some were placed on work release and home detention.