Alabama's "Third World" Prisons: Judge Advocates for Effective Reform

Inmates sit in a treatment dorm at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, Ala., Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019Photo byAP Photo | Kim Chandler

In recent months, there have been numerous reports about violence, sexual assault, and dishonesty within Alabama's prison system. Videos recorded on smuggled cellphones have revealed instances of inmate abuse, drug use, and severely overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions. Despite the significant amount of money allocated to Alabama's Department of Corrections, activists argue that it is crucial to address the need for substantial changes in the criminal justice system. Despite having one of the highest rates of incarceration in the nation, the aggressive "tough on crime" approach has not effectively reduced crime rates and made communities safer.

In an interview with ABC 3340 News, Judge David Carpenter, who serves as the Presiding Judge in the Bessemer Division of Jefferson County, shared his insights on the necessary improvements to address the shortcomings of the current system.

As a civilized society we've got to do something. We need to make our prisons a place where people get rehabilitated and come out better than they were when they went in," said Judge David Carpenter.

He says we think of the hallmark of a third world country as one that has brutal prisons. "We have to admit that's what we have," remarked Judge Carpenter.

According to HHS.gov, 95% of incarcerated individuals will eventually be released. With widespread issues of drugs and violence within prisons, there is concern among reform advocates about the individuals who will reintegrate into our communities. As a judge, Carpenter has a distinct perspective from the bench to witness firsthand the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

"We're fortunate in Jefferson County to have a very good community corrections program which is an alternative to prison. But most circuits do not have that as an option," said Judge Carpenter. He believes it should be expanded.

Judge Carpenter supports the implementation of specialized courts as a solution to address specific issues. For instance, he mentions the success of the Veterans Treatment Court program that he established in Bessemer, with a 100% success rate in preventing graduates from returning. He believes that such programs are effective and should be expanded statewide. Additionally, he highlights the success and cost-effectiveness of drug and theft courts compared to the expense of housing state inmates. In about 80% of these cases, the inmate successfully completes the program and has their case dismissed. Instead of endorsing the construction of expensive prisons in Alabama, Judge Carpenter advocates for smaller specialized facilities that offer job training and support for substance abuse.

"It doesn't make a lot of sense to take an inmate with a non-violent offense and a short sentence and put them in a facility where someone is serving life for a violent offense. They should be in a completely different facility," recommends Judge Carpenter. "The old drug sentences in the 90's were very draconian. Why do we still have people serving sentences that are not appropriate for those crimes?"

As per the statistics presented by the judge, drug-related crimes make up less than five percent of the incarcerated population, with the majority of 81% being categorized as violent offenders. While there is much discussion about mental health concerns in our nation, specialists assert that it is a major contributor to criminal behavior. Judge Carpenter emphasized the need for assistance for individuals before they become involved in the criminal justice system. The state is currently facing a legal complaint regarding the conditions of its prisons, with the trial scheduled for November of the following year.