County Commission | The Magazine January 2020 | Page 11

FROM THE COVER
transfers has slowed. More than a decade ago,
The Alabama Supreme Court set a 30-day limit on
this “waiting period” for transfer, but the number of
State inmates in county jails past the limit continues
to climb.
What’s Next?
In 2020, the Alabama Department of Corrections
is again under heightened federal scrutiny, even
though the population in state facilities has dropped
substantially. At the same time, a new task force is
looking at further reforms, with legislation expected in
the 2020 Regular Session.
“As Alabama prepares to again take steps to
address prison overcrowding, we must make everyone
aware of the price counties are already paying to help
the Alabama Department of Corrections,” Brasfield
said. “It would be a serious mistake to push for State
solutions without addressing the crisis that now exists
at the local level.” n
Get the Report
Download the complete research publication,
“Alabama’s Unresolved Inmate Crisis,”
at AlabamaCounties.org.
• Includes county-by-county cost comparisons,
2014 vs. 2018
• Shows trend data on State inmates in Alabama
Department of Corrections custody and county
facilities since 2014
COUNTY COMMISSION | 11