The ACLU of Nebraska wants Nebraska to address its overcrowded correctional facilities as soon as possible given the threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

ACLU of Nebraska Legal Director Adam Sipple sent a letter last Wednesday to ask the Board of Pardons to commute sentences of people who are incarcerated and most vulnerable to an outbreak, including older people and those with relevant underlying health issues.

Sipple said Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts and Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director Scott Frakes have “a moral obligation” to take action.

The letter follows action nationwide to reduce prison populations because of the risk to people who are incarcerated, staff and the public at large, the ACLU stated.

“No judge sentenced any of these folks to face a substantial risk of death from the virus,” Sipple said. “A targeted release, beginning with the most vulnerable people in our jails and prisons is both feasible and legally required. Executive officials in other states have recognized that.”

In Iowa, the state Department of Corrections has expedited the release of about 700 incarcerated people due to the virus.