By Tate McCotter, NIJO Executive Director An April 5, 2023, headline from AP News stated “West Virginia Atheist Inmate Sues Over Christian Programming”.1 The news article details how the inmate has taken legal action against multiple officials overseeing the administration of West Virginia’s correctional facilities. He claims that the state has infringed upon his constitutional…
Paying Tribute to a Hero–Sheriff Larry Amerson (1953-2020)
With a heavy heart we announce the passing of ret. Sheriff Larry Amerson (Calhoun County, AL). Sheriff Amerson passed away December 3, 2020, after a valiant battle with cancer. Sheriff Amerson was a six term sheriff in Calhoun County, who strongly supported jails and was instrumental in getting legal-based jail guidelines in Alabama. As president…
The Implications of Brady-Giglio for Law Enforcement
Editor’s Note: Because the language in the Brady-Giglio policy references law enforcement agencies and police officers specifically,those terms have been used throughout this article for consistency. However,it is important to note that the Brady-Giglio policy encompasses those who work in all areas of law enforcement,and as such,is applicable to all corrections staff/officials working in jails and prisons as well.
Can Prisoners Stand Their Ground?
In a recent case,the District of Colorado dismissed murder charges against a prison inmate who claims he acted in defense of an intrusion into his dwelling.
Electronic Messaging in Jails
The resource that could actually aide Corrections in reducing contraband and criminal communication in jails and prisons. Many officials believe this to be an inmate E-Mail system; however,that assessment is incorrect.
Electronic Messaging as a Resource
A Standards Journey
It was forty years ago this summer that I began working in local corrections in Alabama. At that time,there was an emerging concern about lack of standards,guidelines,policies,etc.,to guide local jail officials. This concern,coupled with an absence of formal training,led to a search for solutions. Prompting that search was the growing amount of litigation against local jails.
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