On Tuesday, June 17, WBHM hosted an Issues and Ales panel discussion focusing on the Alabama prison system. Over three panels, speakers covered the system’s current problems with overcrowding, along with how to best rehabilitate offenders and what Alabama could do to improve the prison system. Panelists included Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner Kim Thomas, State Senator Cam Ward, former inmates, and people who provide services to ex-offenders.
WBHM’s education reporter, Dan Carsen, and news director, Rachel Osier Lindley, moderated the discussion. They sat down after the event to discuss some of the highlights.
The event was hosted in collaboration with the Alabama Media Group.