Montgomery (AL) –To celebrate National Law Enforcement Appreciation day, Governor Ivey surprised ALEA Headquarters by making a surprise visit. He wanted to express his gratitude to the members of the law enforcement community who have worked tirelessly to keep Alabama safe. The governor made the surprise visit to ALEA Headquarters during an operation meeting in preparation for the Inauguration events. She was sure to express her gratitude to Secretary Hal Taylor and all the people at ALEA who work to ensure Inauguration is safe.
Governor Ivey also provided the following quote:
“Everyone in every law enforcement division puts their lives at risk each day they go to work. They are a proud part of my celebrations, especially today for National Law Enforcement Appreciation day. Public safety has always been and will always be a priority for the Ivey Administration. We will continue to make Alabama the safest state to live, work, and raise a family.
Secretary Taylor also shared this comment:
“Governor Kay Ivey is a great friend for law enforcement. Public safety has been a priority during her administration. Her unwavering support for not only Alabama Law Enforcement Agency but all law enforcement partners throughout the state has helped to boost morale of the brave men and women who serve. I am grateful to Governor Ivey for his unwavering support, which has allowed the Agency to fulfill its core missions in every corner of the state as well as make measurable progress with the law enforcement support services we employ.” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor
This executive order is issued in conjunction with Governor Ivey’s Reforming Correctional Incentive Times, which strengthens public safety. Governor Kay Ivey signed Executive Order 725, to promote public safety and establish standards for Correctional Incentive Times.
Executive Order 725 will establish uniform standards for the loss of Good Time and enhance procedures for capturing escapees.
Governor Ivey, who previously recognized today as National Law Enforcement Appreciation day in an earlier proclamation shared this message at Monday’s press conference.
“Public safety is at the forefront of the Ivey Administration. It has always been and will always be. We will do everything we can to make Alabama the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
Today, I am proud and excited to announce a significant step that will improve our public safety. Today, I signed an executive directive to improve policies in the Department of Corrections. This will allow Commissioner Hamm and his team to enforce the law more effectively within these facilities.
“We are addressing two main components. We are making necessary reforms to Correctional Incentive Time, also known as Good Time. We empower Commissioner Hamm, Department of Corrections officials, to manage procedures for escaped inmates better.
“Our actions today keep violent offenders off the streets and incentivize inmates who really want to rehabilitate or improve themselves. It reinforces the notion that bad choices can have consequences and keeps the public safe.”
Governor Ivey closed her press conference by reaffirming the importance of public safety in her administration’s second term.
“In a week, we will mark the beginning of our next four-year term in office. We will continue to pursue our goal of being the most secure state in the country and a refuge for law enforcement. We will defend our citizens here in Alabama. We will promote rehabilitation among our prisoners. We will enforce the law. Governor Ivey stated that we will make sure victims are treated fairly and that law enforcement will always be there for us.”
Her signature will initiate immediate action on correctional incentives time. This ensures that inmates will face clear and predictable consequences for their misbehavior. ADOC will adhere to uniform standards for regulating the restoration and loss of good time.
The severity of misconduct will determine whether the penalties are severe, moderate, high, or low.
John Hamm, ADOC Commissioner, stated that the Department of Corrections has been given the task of enforcing Alabama Correctional Incentive Time Act. He is deeply committed to public safety and the safety of law enforcement officers. “The executive order of the governor is a significant step towards improving safety and ensuring that we can enforce the law.”
Janette Grantham, executive director of Victims of Crime and Leniency, applauded Janette Grantham’s uniform categorization of misconduct and the improved ability of ADOC to enforce escapee procedures. These are important steps towards improving public safety.
“VOCAL’s goal is to support crime victims and make sure that criminals are held more accountable, and that our communities are safer. We are proud of Governor Ivey’s efforts to make Alabama safer. This includes establishing clear penalties for prisoner misconduct, and improving DOC’s procedures regarding inmate escapes. “Her executive order is a significant step in improving public safety, not only for crime victims, but for all Alabamians,” said Vocal Executive Director Janette Grantham.
Alabama State Senator Clyde Chambliss shared his support for Monday’s executive order. He is an outspoken advocate for inmate rehabilitation through apprenticeships.
“Over the past forty years, the line between those in DOC custody who are trying to rectify past mistakes and those who play the system has been dissolved. This is unacceptable for victims of crime and their families,” stated Senator Chambliss.
Since two of his neighbors are being affected by the pre-executive orders version of correctional incentives time, Senator Chambliss said, “Governor Ivey once more shows that she will not shy away from the difficult problems in our state. Her staff and she have done an incredible job in creating this executive order that will provide clear guidelines for both rewarding good behavior and holding back those who aren’t learning their lessons. This clear standard will guide what is acceptable and what penalties will be applied for non-compliance.
Alabama District Attorneys Association President, 15 Judicial Circuit District Attorney Daryl Bailey, spoke out about the critical role that accountability plays in a structured society. Governor Ivey was applauded for his efforts to support this endeavor.
A fair and orderly society is one that holds everyone accountable for their actions. We expect to be held responsible for our actions when they are harmful to others’ safety or security. Positive rewards are earned when we contribute to the community in a constructive manner. This is particularly important for institutions that house serious criminal felons. A transparent system of rules is essential for the safety of all involved in the facility, including the inmates, and the wider community,” stated Daryl Bailey, ADAA President, and 15 th Circuit District Attorney. “We are grateful for Governor Kay Ivey’s efforts to address this critical issue. We look forward to continuing to work on it and other important public safety issues in the future.”
After participating in Monday’s press conference, Montgomery Police Chief Darryl Albert also voiced his support for Executive Order.
“Today’s formal actions and Executive Orders are essential for adding an additional layer of safety to the public by identifying a clear yet comprehensive set of guidelines that aim at accountability. I want to thank Governor Ivey and Commissioner Hamm for their efforts on these initiatives,” stated Montgomery Police Chief Albert. “With over three decades of law enforcement experience, I’d like to thank everyone for their support of law enforcement in Montgomery, Alabama, and throughout the nation.”