Public safety

News / Public safety

“He was a human being”: Family hopes son’s death at Holman prison not in vain

After a decade behind bars, all that came out of Holman prison was Antonio Bell’s body and a pair of new white Nikes, still wrapped in plastic. Before he died on Jan. 9 of a likely drug overdose, 29-year-old Antonio told his family that it’s the guards who most often smuggle drugs inside. The family … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

February 25, 2020

Sheriffs want a database with all concealed carry permits

Monday the Alabama Sheriff’s Association announced their support for a bill that would create a statewide repository of information about concealed carry permits and would allow officers to check the validity of a concealed carry permit. House Bill 308 is sponsored by State Representative Shane Stringer (R-Mobile). “In the past 13 months, Alabamians have encountered … Continued

Brandon Moseley

February 25, 2020

House Judiciary Committee passes bail reform law named for Aniah Blanchard

The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday passed a bill to give judges more discretion in denying bail to people accused of committing violent crimes. The bill is named for Aniah Blanchard, a 19-year-old Alabama college student who was kidnapped and murdered last year. The man charged with her murder, Ibraheed Yazeed, was out on bond … Continued

Jessa Reid Bolling

February 20, 2020

Legislation would limit death penalty appeals

Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth on Tuesday discussed legislation that would reduce the length of some death penalty appeals. “Over the last 13 month, seven Alabama law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty by violent criminals, which is a new record and obviously not one the state of Alabama is proud … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

February 19, 2020

Conservative Leadership Conference panel discusses prison reform

A panel discussed reforming Alabama’s prisons at the Conservative Leadership Conference in Florence Saturday. State Senator Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, is Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and serves on the state prison task force. He is also a Republican candidate for Alabama Supreme Court, Place 1. “Prison reform is a very vague term,” Ward said. … Continued

Brandon Moseley

February 18, 2020

House passes bill to make it a hate crime to attack law enforcement

The Alabama House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday that would add law enforcement officers to Alabama’s hate crimes statute. It now moves to the Senate. The House passed HB59 by a margin of 92 to 0. Under current law a crime become a hate crime if a person is victimized because of their race, creed, … Continued

Brandon Moseley

February 14, 2020

Bills could improve access to diversion programs, report notes high fees and roadblocks

Bills recently introduced in the Alabama House and Senate aim to improve access to specialized courts and diversion programs, meant to get people the help they need and keep them from behind bars. Even with more access to those programs and courts, however, many can’t afford the exorbitant fees to remain free, according to a … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

February 13, 2020

Private prison company eyes Elmore County land for one of state’s new prisons

Editor’s note: The story was updated Feb. 12, 2020, to reflect that the private company Corvias has also pulled out of the procurement process. The private prison company CoreCivic for more than two years has been eying land just outside the city of Tallassee in Elmore county to build one of Alabama’s planned three new … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

February 11, 2020

Kimberly police officer killed in the line of duty

Thursday, Kimberly Police Department K9 Officer Nick O’Rear, age 33, has died from his wounds. O’Rear was shot and killed during a vehicle pursuit. “I am profoundly grieved to hear of the passing of the Kimberly Police Officer who was shot in the line of duty last night. The safety of our citizens and the … Continued

Brandon Moseley

February 6, 2020

Violent crimes focus of Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles public information

The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles since November sent messages in tweets and press releases about those convicted of violent crimes, and nearly nothing on non-violent offenders seeking paroles. Since parole hearings resumed that month the tone of the Bureau’s social media posts changed from informational to something much closer to fear-mongering, full of … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

February 4, 2020