Alabama Prisons Ruled 'Horrendously Inadequate,' Must Improve

[morningstar2651]

A federal judge is ordering Alabama to improve the way it treats mentally ill prisoners after ruling that the state fails to provide constitutionally adequate mental health care in state lockups.

U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson of Montgomery says Alabama is putting prisoners' lives at risk with "horrendously inadequate" care and a lack of services for inmates with psychiatric problems.

The ruling comes in a class action lawsuit brought by inmates who argued the conditions violated the U.S. Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

Alabama Prisons Ruled 'Horrendously Inadequate,' Must Improve

 

[Veritas]

Why is this in American politics?

 

[Vylo]

Our prison population, private prisons, and the laws that affect both are certainly political.

 

[Desk trauma]

Why is this in American politics?

Did Alabama leave the union again?

 

[morningstar2651]

Why is this in American politics?

If a state government violating US citizens' constitutionally protected rights doesn't make this American politics enough for you, how about I tie this in to immigration?

The Alabama department of corrections accounts for 2.4% of the state's expenses (slightly below the national average). Their prisons are under-staffed and overcrowded.

The Alabama Department Of Corrections (ADOC) September 2016 monthly statistical report states that ADOC held 23,328 prisoners in facilities that are designed to hold only 13,318. Understaffing has been a persistent, systemic problem that leaves many ADOC facilities incredibly dangerous and out of control. Defendants’ correctional administration expert Robert Ayers observed multiple high-security units not being monitored at all and an entire unit at Bibb overseen by a single control booth officer and a single officer on the floor.

How do you think these issues could potentially hinder the incarceration and deportation of 11 million illegal immigrants?