Mission & Values

Our mission

The Alabama Prison Reform Proposal exists to create a safer, smarter, and more humane corrections system that strengthens communities, reduces violence, supports victims, and prepares incarcerated individuals for successful reentry. Our mission is to replace a failing, costly system with one rooted in accountability, rehabilitation, innovation, and human dignity—building a safer Alabama for all.

Our vision

The vision of the Alabama Prison Reform Proposal is to transform Alabama’s prison system from a reactive, punishment-driven model into a humane, accountable, and data-driven system that produces safer prisons, stronger families, and safer communities.

At its core, the proposal envisions “smart justice, not soft justice”—a system where accountability is real, rehabilitation is earned, and public safety is strengthened rather than compromised.

Core Vision Statement

Alabama will lead the nation with a corrections system that protects victims, supports staff, restores individuals, and reduces future crime—using education, technology, and transparency as tools of accountability.

What This Vision Looks Like in Practice

1. Safer Prisons Through Structure and Technology
   The vision replaces idle, overcrowded housing with structured daily schedules, universal programming, and ethical technology (AI safety tools, education platforms, teletherapy) to reduce violence, contraband, and chaos—protecting correctional officers and incarcerated people alike.

2. Accountability That Is Earned, Not Given
   Privileges, programming progression, and reentry opportunities are earned through behavior, participation, and demonstrated change. There is no blanket release and no removal of consequences—only measured advancement tied to responsibility and performance.

3. Victims at the Center of Justice
   The vision prioritizes victims through restitution, transparency, notification systems, and restorative justice options—shifting justice from being state-centered to victim-informed and community-aware.

4. Education and Workforce Readiness as Public Safety Tools
   Every incarcerated person has access to education and skills aligned with Alabama’s workforce needs (via Ingram State Technical College, OERs, and digital platforms). The vision treats education as crime prevention, not a privilege.

5. Technology That Serves People, Not Profits
   The proposal envisions open-source, transparent technology—free educational tablets, AI tutors, tele-mental-health, and public dashboards—to reduce costs, eliminate predatory systems, and rebuild public trust.

6. Reduced Recidivism, Stronger Communities
   Success is defined not by how many beds are filled, but by:

   • Fewer people returning to prison

   • Fewer victims created

   • More parents working, paying restitution, and supporting families

   • Lower long-term taxpayer costs
     

In One Sentence

The Alabama Prison Reform Proposal envisions a justice system that holds people accountable while giving them the tools to change—because real public safety is built through rehabilitation, not neglect.