Salient target populations and the subcategorization of deviants in the release of inmates during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Prisons and jails throughout the United States have reduced their populations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is posited herein that as a result of the pandemic, criminals have been subcategorized and given preferential treatment based on their degree of deviance. Applying the salient target populations concept, it is argued that public officials have been able to “cherry pick” criminals with a more positive construction—e.g., the nonviolent, the elderly, or those otherwise at risk of death from the virus—while further perpetuating a negative view of those deemed too deviant for benefits—e.g., those accused of violent or sex crimes. This practice has perpetuated social injustices in the criminal justice system by defining individuals by their crimes and withholding protections from the virus as a result. The Los Angeles County jail system is used as an illustrative case study throughout. Implications and avenues for future research are explored.