3/21/16 Group Watch: Prison Population Problems
The state could face more prison riots unless problems of overcrowding are addressed, according Governor Robert Bentley. The governor made the remark after he visited a maximum security prison that has seen two riots over the last several days. Two weeks ago, an officer trying to break up a fight between two inmates was stabbed as was the warden who entered the area in an attempt to get control of the situation. Early last week, nearly 70 inmates in the same dorm seized control after officers tried to apprehend an inmate suspected of stabbing another inmate. In February, the governor announced a plan to build four new prisons to reduce overcrowding and improve safety. Funding bills for this expansion are currently pending in the legislature.
