State of Alabama Archives: on Crime
Kay Ivey:
More prison staffing and more capital investments in prisons
For far too long, we have neglected the state's prison system. This neglect has created an environment that is overcrowded and understaffed. Our facilities are worn and old. Correctional professionals work diligently to provide security, medical,
mental health and rehabilitative services in a challenging environment. They deserve our attention and support. We must also work diligently to provide appropriate, constitutional care to those placed in the custody of the Department of Corrections.
Immediately after taking office, I developed a plan to address correctional staffing, which will improve the delivery of inmate healthcare and make capital investments in our infrastructure. We have commissioned comprehensive reviews to determine
the compensation levels necessary to recruit and retain corrections staff. I have [started] developing a master plan, so we will be able to make smart, cost-effective decisions when addressing our outdated prison infrastructure.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Alabama legislature
Jan 9, 2018
Doug Jones:
Former prosecutor supports reform
I support sentencing reform and back creating options for alternative sentencing, seeking to rehabilitate those in the justice system instead of sending all of them to prison at a high cost to their families and to taxpayers. We must reduce
sentencing disparities that see a disproportionate number of black and Latino Americans sentenced to prison. I also support modifying the three-strikes law to provide alternatives to lifetime sentences for those convicted of non-violent offenses.
Source: 2017 Alabama Senatorial website DougJonesForSenate.com
Nov 1, 2017
Stacy Lee George:
Unburden prisons with path for reformed inmates
It is time to take action with prison reform. I have a developed a detailed prison plan: Rock Solid Prison Reform. This plan reduces the nearly five million incarcerated inmates by 8%.
My plan does not mass release inmates, but more importantly gives reformed inmates a path to be a responsible and productive tax-paying citizen.
Source: 2018 Alabama Governor website StacyLeeGeorge.com
Aug 17, 2017
ACLU:
Require unanimous jury for the death penalty
SB 16: Prohibits Judicial Override of Sentencing Decision:OnTheIssues summary: This bill changes the rules for sentencing criminals in capital cases when sentencing to death versus life imprisonment. The previous rules had a jury trial with an
advisory verdict of life or death, and then a separate sentencing trial, where the judge could override the jury's sentence. The new rules allow the defendant to choose a jury trial or a non-jury (judge-based) trial. In either case, the verdict is final.
ACLU opinion: This new law prevents judges from overriding the will of the community by imposing the death penalty when a jury has recommended life imprisonment. While we applaud this change, Alabama is still the only state that
does not require a unanimous jury for the death penalty.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 78-19-2 in roll call #362 on April 16; passed Senate 23-5-0 in roll call #111 on Feb. 23; signed by Gov. Kay Ivey on April 4.
Source: Alabama legislative voting records: SB 16
Apr 4, 2017
Kay Ivey:
One death verdict instead of separate sentencing trial
SB 16: Prohibits Judicial Override of Sentencing Decision:OnTheIssues summary: This bill changes the rules for sentencing criminals in capital cases when sentencing to death versus life imprisonment. The previous rules had a jury trial with an
advisory verdict of life or death, and then a separate sentencing trial, where the judge could override the jury's sentence. The new rules allow the defendant to choose a jury trial or a non-jury (judge-based) trial. In either case, the verdict is final.
ACLU opinion: This new law prevents judges from overriding the will of the community by imposing the death penalty when a jury has recommended life imprisonment. While we applaud this change, Alabama is still the only state that
does not require a unanimous jury for the death penalty.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 78-19-2 in roll call #362 on April 16; passed Senate 23-5-0 in roll call #111 on Feb. 23; signed by Gov. Kay Ivey on April 4.
Source: Alabama legislative voting records: SB 16
Apr 4, 2017
Chris Countryman:
Creative and cost effective ways to deter crime
One of the biggest problems in the state is the increase in both violent and non-violent crime. The solution to crime related issues within the state is not taking away the rights of citizens,
but rather finding creative and cost effective ways to deter the possibilities of crimes taking place.
For Alabama to stay a safe and enjoyable state for citizens to live involves the effort of every branch of state Government.
Because of this this important issue is probably one area that is constantly expanding and changing, in an attempt to stay one step ahead of the game. Together we can protect a citizens rights while protecting them and their families.
Source: 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website "testtrac2018"
Mar 15, 2017
Vivian Davis Figu:
Keep separate sentencing trial in capital cases
SB 16: Prohibits Judicial Override of Sentencing Decision:OnTheIssues summary: This bill changes the rules for sentencing criminals in capital cases when sentencing to death versus life imprisonment. The previous rules had a jury trial with an
advisory verdict of life or death, and then a separate sentencing trial, where the judge could override the jury's sentence. The new rules allow the defendant to choose a jury trial or a non-jury (judge-based) trial. In either case, the verdict is final.
ACLU opinion: This new law prevents judges from overriding the will of the community by imposing the death penalty when a jury has recommended life imprisonment. While we applaud this change, Alabama is still the only state that
does not require a unanimous jury for the death penalty.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 78-19-2 in roll call #362 on April 16; passed Senate 23-5-0 in roll call #111 on Feb. 23; Sen. Figures voted NO; signed by Gov. Kay Ivey on April 4.
Source: Alabama legislative voting records: SB 16
Feb 23, 2017
Ron Crumpton:
Treating illnesses is more productive than incarceration
11-Point Plan for Social Justice--Ending private prisons: "Many of these offenders are in prison due to legitimate illnesses like drug addiction, kleptomania, etc.
Treating these illnesses is much more productive than incarcerating the offender without addressing the underlying problem."
Source: 2016 Ala. Senate campaign website CrumptonForAlabama.com
Apr 25, 2016
Robert Bentley:
Construct four new state-of-the-art prison facilities
Alabama is about to embark on a complete transformation of the state's prison system. We will permanently close the doors to decades-old facilities where maintenance costs have skyrocketed and increased staff are needed. These outdated prisons will be
consolidated and replaced by four, newly constructed state-of-the-art facilities. And by building a brand new female prison facility, the State of Alabama will permanently slam the door shut on Tutwiler Prison for Women.
Funded by an adequate bond issue, we will begin this process within the year. The consolidation and closing of outdated facilities will produce immediate savings for the state with less operational costs, and higher efficiencies in staffing and
maintenance. These larger, more efficient facilities will drastically lower Alabama's prison overcrowding. The money we save with the more efficient prisons will in turn be used to pay off the debt of the construction.
Source: 2016 State of the State address to Alabama Legislature
Feb 2, 2016
Marcus Bowman:
Stricter punishment reduces crime
Q: Do you support or oppose the policy, "Stricter punishment reduces crime"
A: Support
Source: Email interview on 2016 Alabama Senate race with OnTheIssues
Jan 21, 2016
Ron Crumpton:
End mandatory minimums & private prisons
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Stricter punishment reduces crime"?
A: Strongly disagree. End mandatory minimums, private prisons and private probation services.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Alabama Senate race with OnTheIssues
Nov 26, 2015
Gary Palmer:
Supports capital punishment
Q: Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?
A: Yes.
Source: VoteSmart 2014 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test
Aug 30, 2014
Robert Bentley:
Expand use of death penalty; limit appeals
Bentley indicates he supports the following principles concerning crime:- Expand the use of the death penalty for additional circumstances relating to murder.
-
Q: Do you support limiting appeals in death penalty cases?
A: Yes.
Source: Alabama 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Robert Bentley:
End parole for repeat violent felons
Bentley indicates he supports the following principles concerning crime:- Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and for hiring of additional prison staff.
- End parole for repeat violent felons.
- Implement penalties other than
incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
- Inform communities when a convicted sex offender moves into the community.
- Increase state funds for programs which rehabilitate and educate inmates during and after their prison sentences.
Source: Alabama 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Page last updated: Feb 12, 2018