prisons
Prisoners’ bodies returned to families without heart, other organs, lawsuit alleges
The family of Brandon Clay Dotson, who died in a state prison in November, filed a federal lawsuit last month against the Alabama Department of Corrections and others saying his body was decomposing and his heart was missing when his remains were returned to his family.
A books-to-prisons program creates connection behind bars
Katie Willis and Megan Lyle, founders of the local bookstore Burdock Book Collective, began their books-to-prisons program in 2020.
Alabama’s prison population sees troubling growth in latest DOJ report
For the first time in nearly a decade, U.S. prison populations are trending up. Alabama's numbers are a part of troubling gains across the Gulf South.
Bills tackling fentanyl trafficking and ‘good time’ limits in prisons advance
The bills would set a mandatory minimum sentence for trafficking or possessing fentanyl and reduce good time incentives, which can shorten prisoners’ sentences.
Video appears to show Alabama corrections officer beating inmate
The video, circulating on social media, shows what appears to be a distressed inmate on the edge of a roof at a building at Elmore Correctional Facility, while a group of prison staff look at him from the ground.
Expert says inadequate staffing is driving deaths in prisons across the Gulf South
An expert explains how issues from staffing to healthcare to climate change have contributed to a recent rise in deaths in prisons across the Gulf South.
Alabama OKs $725M bond sale to build 2 supersize prisons
That money will be added to $135 million in state funds and $400 million in pandemic relief dollars that the state already agreed to put toward the project.
State signs $623 million contract for 4,000-inmate prison
The new prison contact is part of a sweeping construction plan partially paid for by pandemic relief funds.
Alabama signs prison construction contract, quiet on details
The Alabama Department of Corrections declined to release a copy of the contract. A spokeswoman said it needed to be redacted and that would take some time because it is a lengthy contract.
Q&A: After DOJ’s Parchman report, what changes are needed at Mississippi Corrections?
The Gulf States Newsroom’s Brittany Brown details the Department of Justice’s report on the Mississippi State Penitentiary, and what comes next.
Alabama prisons to resume visitation after 20 months
The Alabama Department of Corrections will resume visitations on Dec. 4 after nearly 20 months. But there will be a number of restrictions.
As Alabama Seeks To Build New Prisons, Mississippi Sets Sights On Reform
Alabama's governor recently signed leases on two new private prisons with a goal of improving conditions for inmates. But reform advocates in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana are urging a different approach.
Sentencing Reform, COVID Business Relief Take Priority As Lawmakers Return
A number of bills that stalled in last year's abbreviated session returned.
Gambling Proposals Must Pass The ‘Smell Test’ Before Going To Voters, Ivey Tells Lawmakers
The governor recapped the challenges of 2020, particularly on schools and the economy.
Ivey Signs Contracts To Build Two Mega Prisons
Alabama moves one step closer to replacing most existing male prisons with three privately-built mega prisons.
Alabama’s New Prisons Planned For Bibb, Elmore and Escambia Counties
State officials announced the latest development in their plan to replace most existing male prisons with three regional prisons.
Inside Alabama’s Prisons, Fear Of A Coronavirus Outbreak
Alabama corrections officials recently reported the first inmate death related to COVID-19. With several prisoners and staff members testing positive for the virus, those inside Alabama prisons worry this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Parole Hearings Will Resume With “Reduced Person-To-Person Interaction”
The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles will resume parole hearings May 18 after stopping them last month in response to COVID-19. Advocates say the state should expedite the parole process to protect inmates and alleviate prison overcrowding.
Protecting People In Prisons, Jails And Shelters From COVID-19
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.
New Exhibit Features Artwork From Alabama Inmates
The issues around Alabama's troubled prison system are complex, but a new exhibit featuring artwork by Alabama inmates hopes to generate a different conversation.
Study: Diversion Programs Work – When They Don’t Sabotage Participants
There are many alternatives to prison including drug courts, veterans courts and community corrections. But a new report says in many cases these alternatives hinder rather than help those they are supposed to serve.
Ivey Proposes Education Investments, Cautious on Lottery in State of the State Address
Pay raises, new prisons, and a shift from and elected state school board to an appointed one were among the highlights of Gov. Kay Ivey's State of the State address.
Possible Focus on Inmate Education, DOC Oversight in 2020 Session
The 2020 legislative session begins Tuesday and prisons are at the top of the agenda. Lawmakers are likely to consider proposals presented last week by Governor Kay Ivey's Study Group on Criminal Justice Policy.
Prisons Officials Request $42 Million Increase to Hire Staff, Improve Healthcare
Prisons will be a top issue in the upcoming legislative session. The state Department of Corrections presented its budget request Thursday, along with the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles.
Ivey’s Study Group Proposes Prison Reforms Ahead of Legislative Session
Gov. Kay Ivey’s prisons study group made suggestions Tuesday after months of reviewing the state's troubled prison system.
Advocates Want Lawmakers to End the Habitual Offender Act
Gov. Kay Ivey’s Study Group on Criminal Justice Policy meets Thursday to talk sentencing. Advocates want the group to address the state’s Habitual Felony Offender Act.
Governor’s Study Group Meets on Prison Operations
Gov. Kay Ivey's task force on criminal justice policy convened Wednesday in Montgomery to discuss the state's troubled prison system.
Here’s What You Missed in the 2019 Legislative Session
It was one of the busiest and most contentious legislative sessions in years. The near-total abortion ban passed by Alabama lawmakers overshadowed many other bills. What else happened?
Justice Department Forces Alabama To Address Deadly Prison Conditions
Alabama must rectify the dangerous conditions this week or face a Justice Department lawsuit. Critics say plans to build new prisons won't solve issues that have been found to be unconstitutional.
Lawmakers Pass a Restrictive Abortion Ban as Time Runs Out in the Session
Alabama lawmakers this week passed what’s considered one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the country. We look at the fallout and where this leaves one other major legislative priority here in the state -- prisons.
Fed’s Report Condemning Alabama Prisons: State Vows Action
Alabama authorities vowed Thursday to begin the monumental task of fixing their troubling prison problems, responding to a U.S. Department of Justice report that condemned excessive violence, inmate deaths and a critical staffing shortage in the state correctional system.
Alabama Legislature Considers an Abortion Ban and Prison Reforms
This week Alabama lawmakers considered a bill that would make abortions a felony unless the mother's health is at risk. And it wrestled with a solution to the state's prisons crisis.
