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Alabama’s parole system has come under increasing scrutiny, particularly as the parole approval rate plummeted to a mere 8 percent in 2023. This sharp decline occurred despite the Alabama Department of Corrections grappling with an ongoing lawsuit related to overcrowded prisons. Although there has been a slight uptick in parole approvals in 2024, significant concerns remain about the effectiveness and fairness of the current system.
In response, some of the state’s leading legal and policy experts will gather to discuss the parole system’s shortcomings and explore potential reforms. They will be joined by individuals who have firsthand experience with the system in an effort to inform the public and advocate for change.
“Alabama’s parole system has tools in place to determine if someone should be released or remain in prison,” said Veronica Johnson, Deputy Director of the Alabama Justice Initiative and moderator of the upcoming panel. “Oftentimes, the system doesn’t follow its own guidelines when it comes to releasing people.”
Alison Mollman, Legal Director of the ACLU of Alabama, echoed these sentiments. “There are people incarcerated in Alabama who pose no risk to public safety and have earned the opportunity to be released on parole. We must pay attention to what’s happening with our parole system to ensure these individuals can safely and responsibly return home.”
Justice In Focus, a campaign led by Alabama Values aimed at reshaping the state’s approach to public safety, will host a community briefing titled *Locked In: Reimagining Parole in Alabama* on Monday, October 14, at 6 p.m. The event will feature panelists including Johnson, Mollman, Southern Poverty Law Center Senior Policy Associate Katie Glenn, Alabama CURE Board Member Pat Vandermeer, and John Woods, who has personally been impacted by the parole system.
“Rethinking public safety in Alabama means addressing the broken parole system that keeps too many people locked in without a fair chance at rehabilitation,” said Anneshia Hardy, Executive Director of Alabama Values. “We must focus on solutions that prioritize justice, equity, and the well-being of our communities.”
The event will be live-streamed on the Alabama Values website and social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
