*The video and audio in this content were generated by AI, and the images used in the video may not be real or may appear realistic.
AI : Google Vertex AI, Gemini
Alabama's prison system is facing a staffing crisis, with the state unable to meet a federal judge's order to add 2,000 correctional officers by 2025. Despite increased pay and recruiting efforts, the number of full-time security staff remains below pre-pandemic levels. The state is moving forward with the construction of a new 4,000-bed prison, but the cost has ballooned to $1.25 billion, prompting concerns about funding the second new prison. While the new facility aims to address overcrowding and dilapidated conditions, experts warn that simply building new prisons won't solve systemic issues like understaffing, violence, and lack of mental health care.
