The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles on Tuesday announced that 31 probation and parole officers were sworn in by new Director Cam Ward. The addition of officers will help the bureau reach its goal of a reduced caseload. The bureau’s goal is one officer per 75 offenders, allowing officers to monitor offenders more closely and maximize rehabilitation efforts.
Ward was recently appointed director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles by Gov. Kay Ivey. This was Ward’s first swearing-in ceremony for the bureau.
“It is an honor to participate in this ceremony and witness the beginning of these officers’ careers,” Ward said.
This is the largest group of probation and parole officers sworn in by the bureau in years.
Ward said that with public safety at the forefront, he wants the bureau to stay focused on the reentry and rehabilitation for parolees and probationers. Probation and Parole Officers are one of the key factors in helping criminals become productive members of society.
The Special Populations Division at the bureau specializes in education, behavioral and treatment programs. It includes the Alabama Certain Enforcement Supervision Program, Day Reporting Centers, Day Reporting Center Lites and other programs. Mental health professionals are staffed to help with program success. The Interdisciplinary Grant Team, another part of Special Populations, coordinates the application and implementation of federal, state and local grants. This allows for the expansion of supervision and rehabilitation programs.
Ward announced that he plans to reopen the LIFE Tech Transitional Center. It was previously scheduled to close. LIFE Tech is a residential intensive reentry and rehabilitation program for male offenders.
Since 2013, 2,344 offenders received access to opportunities through LIFE Tech.
Lowering the recidivism rate is a key component of trying to lower the prison population of the Alabama Department of Corrections, which has struggled with overcrowding issues for years. To find out more about Special Populations and other programs at ABPP, click here.
Ward replaced Judge Charlie Graddick who resigned recently. Ward previously had been a State Senator.
