State of Alabama Archives: on Crime
Mo Brooks:
Stand up for law and order, back law enforcement community
Brooks told Newsmax TV, "We've seen what has happened in places in Minnesota and other parts of the United States America, particularly those cities that are governed by rather weak, anti-law enforcement socialist Democrats, and this is going to
be in the future of all America if we don't stand up for law and order, and make sure that our law enforcement community understands that we're gonna have their back like they have our back when our lives as citizens aren't risk."
Source: Newsmax e-zine on 2022 Alabama Senate race
Apr 23, 2021
Kay Ivey:
New modern prisons will improve conditions, rehabilitation
The cornerstone of our ongoing efforts is the Alabama Prison Program--a bold undertaking to replace the state's aging and failing prison infrastructure with safe, new, sustainable and affordable men's prisons. Not only will these modern facilities
improve prison conditions and safety for both staff and inmates, they will also be designed to accommodate inmate rehabilitation. Rehabilitated inmates are much less likely to reoffend and much more likely to become productive members of society.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Alabama legislature
Feb 2, 2021
Doug Jones:
Remove systemic racism in society and law enforcement
Q: Restrict police use of force and increase public oversight?Doug Jones: Mostly Yes. "We need to remove the systemic racism in society and in law enforcement." Calls to "defund" are more about reforming police than cutting budgets.
Tommy Tuberville: No. "We gotta get 'em more money" to build "stronger, better, well-trained police departments."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Tommy Tuberville:
Police: "Gotta get 'em more money"
Q: Restrict police use of force and increase public oversight?Tommy Tuberville: No. "We gotta get 'em more money" to build "stronger, better, well-trained police departments."
Doug Jones: Mostly Yes. "We need to remove the systemic racism in society and in law enforcement." Calls to "defund" are more about reforming police than cutting budgets.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Kay Ivey:
Build three new prisons, but focus on rehabilitation
Work is well underway in addressing our antiquated and crumbling prison infrastructure. Some of our worst, most over-crowded facilities--one of which was built more than 90 years ago -- were never designed for the number of violent offenders we have
today. That is why I tasked Commissioner Dunn to spearhead the efforts to build three new prisons that will transition our facilities from warehousing inmates to rehabilitating people.
Source: 2020 Alabama State of the State address
Feb 4, 2020
Kevin Stitt:
Consolidated work of Dept. of Corrections and Parole Board
I was told that a change in our prison system wasn't possible without an immediate $1 billion. I was told the Pardon and Parole Board could not take on an increase in casework without more employees and funding. What did we do? Pardon and
Parole Board consolidated its investigators with Department of Corrections. This streamlined the case work while increasing it by 118% over 2018 without a single dollar more. The number of Oklahomans in our state prisons declined by 7.6% from 2018.
Source: 2020 Alabama State of the State address
Feb 3, 2020
John Rogers:
For automatic death penalty for cop killers without appeal
Speaking about individuals convicted of capital murder in the killing of law enforcement officers, Rogers remarked that in those cases, "The death penalty ought to be automatic."Rogers lamented how long
those individuals on death row can stave off their executions through appeal after appeal after appeal. He argued that individuals should not be allowed to appeal after being duly tried and convicted of the capital murder of a law enforcement officer.
Source: Yellow Hammer News on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Jan 28, 2020
ACLU:
Chemical castration for sex offenders is unconstitutional
Gov. Ivey this afternoon signed into law a bill to require sex offenders whose victims are younger than 13 to undergo "chemical castration treatment" as a condition of parole. The treatment consists of taking a medication to suppress or block the
production of testosterone.The Alabama chemical castration law says sex offenders will have to take "medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment or its chemical equivalent, that reduces or blocks the production of testosterone." The law requires the
treatment to begin at least one month before a parolee is released.
The executive director of the ALCU of Alabama, said the chemical castration treatment has been rarely used in other states that have authorized it, and thinks it likely violates the
ban on cruel and unusual punishment. "It's not clear that this actually has any effect and whether it's even medically proven," the ACLU spokesperson said. "When the state starts experimenting on people, I think it runs afoul of the Constitution."
Source: Birmingham News on Alabama voting records: HB 379
Jun 10, 2019
Kay Ivey:
Chemical castration for sex offenses against children
Gov. Kay Ivey this afternoon signed into law a bill to require sex offenders whose victims are younger than 13 to undergo "chemical castration treatment" as a condition of parole. The treatment consists of taking a medication to suppress or block the
production of testosterone.Other states have passed similar laws, including California and Florida in the 1990s. The Alabama chemical castration law says sex offenders will have to take "medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment or its chemical
equivalent, that, among other things, reduces, inhibits, or blocks the production of testosterone, hormones, or other chemicals in a person's body." The law requires the treatment to begin at least one month before a parolee is released.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 27-0-8 on roll call #1423 on May 30; passed House 72-16-16 on roll call #831 on May 21; Signed by Gov. Ivey on June 10.
Source: Birmingham News on Alabama voting records: HB 379
Jun 10, 2019
Vivian Davis Figures:
No chemical castration for sex offenses against children
Gov. Kay Ivey this afternoon signed into law a bill to require sex offenders whose victims are younger than 13 to undergo "chemical castration treatment" as a condition of parole. The treatment consists of taking a medication to suppress or block the
production of testosterone.Other states have passed similar laws, including California and Florida in the 1990s. The Alabama chemical castration law says sex offenders will have to take "medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment or its chemical
equivalent, that, among other things, reduces, inhibits, or blocks the production of testosterone, hormones, or other chemicals in a person's body." The law requires the treatment to begin at least one month before a parolee is released.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 27-0-8 on roll call #1423 on May 30; Sen. Figures voted PRESENT (which OnTheIssues interprets as NAY); passed House 72-16-16 on roll call #831 on May 21; signed by Gov. Ivey on June 10.
Source: Birmingham News on Alabama voting records: HB 379
May 30, 2019
Arnold Mooney:
Chemical castration for sex offenses against children
Gov. Kay Ivey this afternoon signed into law a bill to require sex offenders whose victims are younger than 13 to undergo "chemical castration treatment" as a condition of parole. The treatment consists of taking a medication to suppress or block the
production of testosterone.Other states have passed similar laws, including California and Florida in the 1990s. The Alabama chemical castration law says sex offenders will have to take "medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment or its chemical
equivalent, that, among other things, reduces, inhibits, or blocks the production of testosterone, hormones, or other chemicals in a person's body." The law requires the treatment to begin at least one month before a parolee is released.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 27-0-8 on roll call #1423 on May 30; passed House 72-16-16 on roll call #831 on May 21; Rep. Mooney voted YES; signed by Gov. Ivey on June 10.
Source: Birmingham News on Alabama voting records: HB 379
May 21, 2019
John Rogers:
No chemical castration for sex offenses against children
Gov. Kay Ivey this afternoon signed into law a bill to require sex offenders whose victims are younger than 13 to undergo "chemical castration treatment" as a condition of parole. The treatment consists of taking a medication to suppress or block the
production of testosterone.Other states have passed similar laws, including California and Florida in the 1990s. The Alabama chemical castration law says sex offenders will have to take "medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment or its chemical
equivalent, that, among other things, reduces, inhibits, or blocks the production of testosterone, hormones, or other chemicals in a person's body." The law requires the treatment to begin at least one month before a parolee is released.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 27-0-8 on roll call #1423 on May 30; passed House 72-16-16 on roll call #831 on May 21; Rep. Rogers voted PRESENT (which OnTheIssues interprets as NAY in this context); signed by Gov. Ivey on June 10.
Source: Birmingham News on Alabama voting records: HB 379
May 21, 2019
Arnold Mooney:
Skeptic of 2016 prison construction plans
Mooney was also a vocal skeptic of prison construction plans put forth by then-Gov. Robert Bentley in 2016 and 2017, and has sponsored legislation to change civil asset forfeiture laws.
He also voted against the 10-cent increase in Alabama's gasoline tax, approved in a special session in March.
Source: Montgomery Advertiser on 2020 Alabama Senate race
May 6, 2019
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
Arnold Mooney:
No separate sentencing trial in capital cases
SB 16: Prohibits Judicial Override of Sentencing Decision:OnTheIssues summary: This bill changes the rules for sentencing in capital cases when choosing 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 judge's decision.
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; Rep. Mooney voted YES (after recording an unintentional NO, 4/4); 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 16, 2017
John Rogers:
No separate sentencing trial in capital cases
SB 16: Prohibits Judicial Override of Sentencing Decision:OnTheIssues summary: This bill changes the rules for sentencing in capital cases when choosing 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; Rep. Rogers voted YES; 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 16, 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 Figures:
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
Walt Maddox:
Approved tactical short-term crime reduction strategy
Maddox released a statement saying he has authorized a series of tactical measures proposed by police to curb violence. Maddox said a breakdown of family structures, declining state revenues, overcrowded prisons and police departments inundated
with repeat offenders were several reasons for the spike in crime and that the issues go beyond the work of the Police Department. Maddox didn't disclose details about the tactical measures though he did say it was a short-term crime reduction strategy.
Source: Tuscaloosa News on 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial race
Oct 19, 2016
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: Oct 12, 2021