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Continued calls for external observers on “internal task force” on prison violence

External observers should be included on an “internal task force” formed in December to address deadly violence inside Alabama prisons, according to a criminal justice professor, who reinforced an earlier request from a group of prison reform advocates.  David Rembert is a research fellow at the Center for Justice Research at Texas Southern University, an … Continued
January 3, 2020

After Texas church shooting, Alabama Attorney General offers guidance on church security

After a church shooting in Texas, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has offered guidance on Alabama’s Stand-Your-Ground law and urged churches to take safety measures. On Sunday morning, a gunman opened fire at the West Freeway Church of Christ in West Settlement, Texas, killing two people in attendance. The shooter was identified as 43-year-old Keith … Continued
January 3, 2020

Change in Alabama car insurance law took effect Jan. 1

Alabama drivers who take to the roads without insurance now get a break, thanks to a change in state law that took effect Jan. 1.  If a person is caught driving without insurance a second time within three years under the new law they can be fined $400 and asked to provide proof of insurance.  … Continued
January 2, 2020

APR’s top five stories of 2019

The year was busy for journalists across the state, and it was no different at APR, where reporters dug into the biggest stories of 2019 to give readers a glimpse at what was happening behind closed doors.   From a broken prison system to an unpopular toll bridge project that ran out of pavement, here’s a … Continued
December 30, 2019

State releases some prison staffing figures, argues for use of lesser-trained correctional officers

The Alabama Department of Corrections in a recent court filing Friday argues that a new form of correctional officer being hired to staff Alabama’s understaffed, deadly prisons are up to the task.  The Southern Poverty Law Center – the plaintiff in the lawsuit – and the federal judge overseeing the case, have both expressed concern … Continued
December 27, 2019

Prison reform group asks for observers on prison commissioner’s task force on violence

A group advocating for prison reform in Alabama on Friday asked that external observers be placed on a newly formed task force meant to address inmate-on-inmate violence and alleged excessive use of force by correctional officers.  The request comes after a particularly deadly month, and year, in Alabama prisons.  Alabamians for Fair Justice, a coalition … Continued
December 24, 2019

Chip Brown to reintroduce bill allowing judges to hold those charged with violent crimes without bail

Alabama Rep. Chip Brown, R-Mobile, on Thursday announced plans to once again file a constitutional amendment that would allow judges to hold more people charged with violent crimes in jail without bail.  Brown’s filed similar legislation last year, but after passing in the state House in a 92-3 vote it failed to clear the Alabama … Continued
December 20, 2019

Company vying to build Alabama’s prisons seeks foreign funding as most U.S. firms cut ties

One of the two private prison companies vying to build Alabama’s new prisons is looking to a Japanese Bank for financing after many U.S. banks have cut ties with businesses that detain immigrants and run for-profit prisons.  Tennessee-based CoreCivic, one of four companies that Gov. Kay Ivey’s office in November announced  will move forward in … Continued
December 19, 2019

Family of Alabama death row inmate hopes for new trial

Recent news coverage in major outlets of the story of Alabama death row inmate Toforest Johnson’s case is giving his family hope that he’ll get a new trial and a chance at freedom.  The family awaits a judge’s ruling on whether he could get that new trial.  “It’s especially difficult around the holidays,” said Johnson’s … Continued
December 18, 2019