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Public safety

Ivey announces support for criminal justice legislation

Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday announced her support for six bills that address the state’s criminal justice system, legislation that’s a product of Ivey’s study group on criminal justice policy.  “I tasked the Criminal Justice Study Group with the mission of finding data-driven solutions to our longstanding challenges in our prison system,” Ivey said in … Continued
February 28, 2020

ADOC investigating possible suicide at Easterling Correctional Facility

The death of a man serving in the Easterling Correctional Facility in Barbour County on Sunday is being investigated as a possible suicide.  Marquell Underwood, 22, was found in his cell unresponsive at approximately 4 p.m. on Sunday, according to a statement by the Alabama Department of Corrections.  Underwood was being held in solitary confinement, … Continued
February 26, 2020

Early morning contraband raid at Easterling Correctional Facility

The Alabama Department of Corrections on Tuesday raided the Easterling Correctional Facility in Barbour County to collect contraband.  More than 200 officials from ADOC, state Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, Department of Natural Resources, Game Warden Division, and Russel and Coffee County Sheriff’s departments conducted the early morning search, according to an ADOC press release.  … Continued
February 26, 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
February 25, 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
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
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
February 14, 2020