The application of a state law requiring more Alabama prison inmates to be released early under supervision got off to a rocky start in January, but Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward said he believes it is generally working well and can be effective in reducing the likelihood that those released will return to prison.

The law requires the state to release some inmates for a designated period ranging from three months to one year before their sentences end. They must wear an ankle device for electronic monitoring and follow other requirements set by the parole board.

The Legislature first approved mandatory supervised release in 2015, but it applied only to inmates convicted after that time. In 2021, the Legislature expanded it to cover inmates convicted before 2015. That change took effect Jan. 31, 2023 and resulted in the release of hundreds of inmates in a short period, which some law enforcement officials and others said came as a surprise and cause for alarm.

In an interview last week, Ward said the bureau spent 18 months preparing for the expansion of supervised release.

“We did an internal task force with officers, administrators, supervisors, that created an electronic monitoring group,” Ward said. “Officers that will be involved in electronic monitoring got special training. We did training, preparation, and understanding of what was coming. How you would respond at the 3 o’clock in the morning call, which is the one you’re always worried...

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