When Alabamians consider the current impact of mass incarceration and the many challenges facing the Alabama Department of Corrections and the Alabama Bureau of Pardons & Paroles, we conclude that the steep price for outdated, inefficient, and ineffective criminal justice policies and practices is not paid by the incarcerated and their families alone, but by all of us. However, when problems loom without ready solutions, human nature is to put them “out of sight and out of mind.” But Alabama cannot do that any longer.

So it’s up to all of us . . . Keep the conversation going!

Every Alabamian needs to understand the urgent need to support those who are committed and have the opportunity to accomplish true reform of Alabama’s criminal justice system.

Redemption Earned is convinced that with awareness of current best-practices policies and facts, we can take actions to encourage our elected officials, for example, to enact laws for fair sentences for elderly and sick inmates, for greater access to correctional education and skills training, for up-dated reentry programs both inside and outside the institutions, for objective parole guidelines based on true data-driven risk assessments, and for improved supervision with graduated-release facilities. Needed reassessments of current policies and changes will result in a safer Alabama–with former incarcerated individuals becoming and remaining contributing, law-abiding, and tax-paying citizens.

So. . . when someone asks why “identify, assist, and represent worthy individuals who have spent decades behind bars, have proven they are transformed and have earned parole or work release”?

Answer: Because the challenges facing Alabama’s incarcerated persons eligible for parole are systemic and insurmountable alone. Among those challenges:

• Alabama is the only state in the nation where parole-eligible inmates are not present at their own parole hearings—even virtually.
• Alabama, unlike other states, has not have established ways to aid prospective parolees in gaining parole.
• Alabama, unlike other states, does not mandate that the health of an incarcerated person be considered in a parole decision.

So, where to start?

Answer: Redemption Earned will first concentrate on parole-eligible prisoners over 50 year old. Why?

• In 2005, there were 2,879 prisoners over 50 years old, comprising 11% of all people in ADOC custody. In 2021, that number has more than doubled and is now 6,191 (25%). Among older prisoners, 2,200 are over age 60.
• People over 50 years old are the least likely to re-offend and the most expensive to incarcerate because of unique health and protection needs. The increase in the incarceration of older people will dramatically affect ADOC’s future expenses.
• Ages 15 to 30 is the age group most likely to be arrested and incarcerated, and their numbers have fallen dramatically. In 2005, there were 9,827 prisoners ages 15 to 30, comprising 36% of all people in ADOC custody. In 2021, that number has been cut in half to 4,537 (18%). (In fact, Alabama’s crime rate declined by 17% from 2005 to 2019, the most recent year data is available from ALEA.

Have more questions? Contact us. A crucial component of Redemption Earned’s mission is to help all of us understand the problems and collaborate on the solutions. That take’s public awareness of facts, figures, policies, etc.!