Addressing the Crisis in Alabama's Prisons

ADOC failedPhoto byCanva

A recent Joint Prison Oversight Committee meeting provided families with the opportunity to speak to the legislative body about their experiences with the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC).

For those unaware, ADOC has faced significant issues for many years. While prisons are not meant to be vacations, they are also not supposed to be death sentences. Unfortunately, for many incarcerated individuals, Alabama’s prison system has become just that.

Systemic Issues within ADOC

Crimes should be contained within the prison walls, but ADOC has failed to manage this. Families are frequently contacted with threats to the safety of their loved ones in the system. Some families have paid hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars through various cash apps to criminals incarcerated in Alabama’s prisons.

A substantial amount of taxpayer dollars is spent on running this prison system, and more citizens should be concerned about its proper management. How can the Alabama Department of Corrections be run so poorly? The irony of having "corrections" in its name while being so dysfunctional is not lost on those affected. It's a grave situation, not a humorous one, especially for the incarcerated individuals and their families.

A Fight for Change

Thankfully, these families continue to fight for their loved ones, and their efforts might finally be yielding results. Their voices might be heard by those in positions of power. However, during the last joint prison commission meeting, key figures such as John Hamm were absent, despite being invited to the last two meetings. Perhaps the parole board, which also received invitations, will attend the next one.

The immediate changes that need to occur are in the hands of these absent officials. It is crucial they attend future meetings to hear the testimonies of these families, as many have suffered due to ADOC’s shortcomings.

Recognition for Advocacy

In the meantime, gratitude is owed to Senator Vivian Figures for attending the meeting and listening to the families’ stories. She also shared her perspective, drawing from her son’s experience within ADOC, and clarified that she has never used her position to aid him. Initially unaware of the severity of the prison system’s issues, she was moved by the stories of other families.

With any luck, Senator Figures will continue to consider her son's experience and the inhumane, unconstitutional conditions faced by many incarcerated individuals. Hopefully, she will persist in her efforts to drive change following this meeting.

Additionally, appreciation is due to Representative Chris England for attentively listening to the families and encouraging their advocacy. Thank you for fulfilling your role as a legislator and representing the residents of the state.

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