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Justice Department Opens Probe Into Alabama Prisons
October 7, 2016
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a statewide investigation into the Alabama Department of Corrections and into the conditions of correctional facilities housing male inmates.
The DOJ’s investigation will look into whether there are systematic constitutional violations in the male prisons. The investigation will focus on whether prisoners are adequately protected from physical harm and sexual abuse at the hands of other prisoners; whether prisoners are adequately protected from use of excessive force and staff sexual abuse by correctional officers; and whether the prisons provide sanitary, secure and safe living conditions.
“The Constitution requires that prisons provide humane conditions of confinement,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We hope to work cooperatively with the state of Alabama in conducting our inquiry and ensuring that the state’s facilities keep prisoners safe from harm.”
“Our obligation is to protect the civil rights of all citizens, including those who are incarcerated,” said U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance of the Northern District of Alabama. “This investigation provides us with an opportunity to work collaboratively with the state of Alabama to assess current conditions and ensure constitutionally sufficient conditions exist for all prisoners.”
“The vulnerability of a prisoner makes it even more important that basic hygiene and safe accommodations are afforded the inmates,” said U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. of the Middle District of Alabama.
“We understand the seriousness of the DOJ investigation and will cooperate fully. We will dedicate the necessary time and resources to enable the investigators to complete their work,” said Corrections Commissioner Dunn.
Dunn has identified longstanding problems in Alabama prisons caused by overcrowding, understaffing, and outdated facilities.
“We have been working to provide solutions to the problems faced by the department and will work with the DOJ on recommendations to improve conditions in the Alabama Department of Corrections,” Dunn said.
The investigation will be conducted under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act. United States Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Alabama will be handling the investigation according to the DOJ announcement.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Comments
3 Responses to “Justice Department Opens Probe Into Alabama Prisons”
Friends, neighbors, boys and girls the DOJ entering into the arena will be a defining moment!
We’ve all the seen the “impartial” approach taken when investigating perceived wrongs committed against the incarcerated criminals.
If the convicts/prisoners had not committed the heinous crimes(s) to be where they are there would not be a problem.
The Correction Officer in any prison is all that stands between other crime being committed and for their reward…they are treated worse than the jailbirds they are guarding and protecting from each other by having an investigation by the DOJ.
Great system we’ve got! The animals are running the Zoo!
@ Bewildered:
Where was this prison? I can just about guarantee you that it was not in Alabama or a DOJ joint. I work for the DOJ and I can promise you that they do not give you specialty coffee and cinnamon buns for breakfast. The buns, maybe, it they’re on the institutional meal plan for that day. Specialty coffee might be available at an exorbitantly high price in the inmate commissary, but it would not be served in food service.
Nancy Grace would not be guilty of sensationalizing, would she?
Some Alabama (and Florida) prisons need extreme reform for the safety of the officers and staff, as well as the inmates.
DOJ provides humane confinement with opportunities for self-improvement to the incarcerated population. GED is a congressional mandate, for those without high school diplomas. The inmates WILL program to improve, or they will lose their good conduct time. You get the idea.
Trying to get away from all the “mud slinging” political announcements the other night, I switched the channel to the Nancy Grace show. She was discussing and showing detailed surveillance of a mass murderer confined in jail. He slept what looked like a comfortable bed until noon – then he ordered from a menu a specialty coffee with a cinnamon bun for breakfast. I could not believe my eyes and ears – is this five star hotel environment the Department of Justice wants for all prisons? If the public agrees to make such a change, we all have completely lost our minds .