Families of incarcerated individuals in Alabama prisons testified before state lawmakers, sharing stories of beatings, rape, and death suffered by their loved ones while in custody. They called for urgent action to address the excessive dangers and lack of protection within the prison system. The U.S. Department of Justice has previously filed a lawsuit against Alabama, alleging constitutional violations due to the high levels of violence in prisons. Advocacy groups also spoke out, urging lawmakers to increase oversight and make unannounced visits to the prisons. Families emphasized the need for reform to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates.
Two employees at the Topeka Correctional Facility in Kansas were fired and six others were disciplined after allegations that they mocked and ignored an injured female inmate. The inmate crawled back to her cell for two hours before being hospitalized with broken bones. Inmates reported that prison staff called her names and didn't provide assistance because they believed she was faking. The Kansas Department of Corrections found that eight staff members violated agency policies and values. The facility will provide training to empower employees to challenge and report unethical behavior.
Former Georgia Sheriff Victor Hill has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for ordering inmates to be held in chair restraints for hours without legal cause or as punishment, resulting in injuries to the detainees. Hill was convicted of six of the seven civil rights counts against him. After his prison term, he will be under supervised release for six years.
