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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
February 13, 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
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
February 4, 2020

Ivey’s prison study group recommends spending, anti-recidivism efforts, goes light on sentencing reform

On Thursday the long-awaited policy recommendations of Gov Kay Ivey’s bi-partisan Study Group on Criminal Justice Policy were released, which include suggestions on spending, sentencing reform and recidivism reduction.  The group, formed in July and required to release its recommendations before the Legislative session begins Tuesday, didn’t always agree on every topic up for consideration, … Continued
January 31, 2020

Report: Cost to operate county jails, sheriff’s departments increased by $93 million since 2014

The Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA) released an updated research publication yesterday showing that the cost to operate county jails and sheriff’s departments statewide increased by $93 million from 2014 to 2019. The research publication, named “Alabama’s Unresolved Inmate Crisis,” was updated from its initial release back in December to include data from … Continued
January 31, 2020

State closing large part of Holman prison

Montgomery – A large portion of Holman Correctional Facility outside of Atmore is closing because of maintenance problems in a tunnel that carries utilities to those sections, the Alabama Department of Corrections announced Wednesday.   It’s a decision that concerns a U.S. Department of Justice attorney, who is working with state officials to prevent a possible … Continued
January 29, 2020

Bureau of Pardons and Paroles increases hearings

After months of a reduction in parole hearings for Alabama’s incarcerated, the state Bureau of Pardons and Paroles is ramping up the numbers of those hearings.  In a response to ARP’s questions Monday about how those hearings are set, Bureau spokesman Terry Abbott said that the agency has a target goal of 540 hearings during … Continued
January 28, 2020

Correctional officer stabbed, hit in head at Donaldson prison Thursday

A correctional officer on Friday was being treated for non-life threatening injuries after being stabbed and hit in the head on Friday at Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer, according to the Alabama Department of Corrections.  APR confirmed that the officer was injured while trying to break up a fight between men incarcerated at Donaldson prison.  … Continued
January 24, 2020