Inmate transfers from county jails to the state prison system have been reduced because of the pandemic. Local officials say that needs to change or county jails will be in crisis.
To slow the spread of the coronavirus, health officials are asking people to stay home and practice social distancing. But in Alabama prisons and homeless shelters, following this advice is virtually impossible.
Earlier this month the American Civil Liberties Union announced an ambitious goal of releasing 50% of Alabama prisoners by the year 2025 through a report aimed at tackling mass incarceration.