About the Proposal

The Proposal

The Alabama Prison Reform Proposal is a comprehensive, research-driven blueprint designed to transform one of the most overcrowded, violent, and costly prison systems in the United States into a model of safety, accountability, rehabilitation, and community restoration.

This initiative is built on the belief that smart justice makes Alabama safer — not just for the incarcerated, but for victims, families, correctional officers, and communities across the state.

Grounded in evidence, informed by data, and shaped by the lived experiences of families affected by the system, the proposal outlines policies and programs that reduce violence, support victims, increase staff safety, strengthen families, and dramatically lower recidivism.

Our Purpose

Alabama’s current prison structure harms everyone — taxpayers, victims, officers, and the incarcerated. The purpose of this proposal is to replace a crisis-driven system with one rooted in effectiveness, dignity, and public safety.

We aim to:

• Reduce prison violence and restore humane conditions

• Provide meaningful rehabilitation programs proven to reduce reoffending

• Support victims with restorative justice options and accountability measures

• Equip people with the skills and stability needed for successful reentry

• Create safer communities and break generational cycles of incarceration

Our Approach

The Alabama Prison Reform Proposal is organized into five transformative pillars. Each pillar works together to create a safer Alabama with fewer victims and lower long-term costs.

Rehabilitate

Stabilizing individuals and facilities through structured routines, counseling, reflection, and emotional regulation.

Revive

Release

Restore

Rebuild

Delivering evidence-based programs in literacy, vocational training, trauma recovery, and behavioral change.

Preparing individuals for meaningful employment through certification programs, apprenticeships, and modern job training.

Centering victim needs, strengthening families, improving communication access, and promoting community reconciliation.

Creating structured pathways to stable housing, employment, continued therapy, and long-term support.

Why Reform Matters

• Alabama has spent over $5 billion on prisons with little improvement in safety.

• Overcrowding levels reach 180%, fueling violence and instability.

• Officers face severe staffing shortages and dangerous working conditions.

• Families struggle under financial burdens, communication barriers, and lack of support.

• Most incarcerated individuals will return home — the question is whether they return better or worse.

This proposal ensures they return better.

A New Way Forward

This initiative is not soft on crime. It is smart on crime — built on data, accountability, and prevention. By stabilizing people early, treating root causes, building job skills, supporting victims, and guiding safe reentry, Alabama can:

• Reduce violent crime

• Save taxpayer dollars

• Strengthen families

• Improve officer retention and safety

• Create opportunities instead of cycles of incarceration

The Alabama Prison Reform Proposal represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a correctional system that truly protects the public and honors human dignity