A small town in Alabama is introducing a unique program aimed at reducing recidivism, and has drawn the ire of some civil liberties groups as a result.
Named “Operation Restore Our Community,” the program gives first-time, non-violent offenders in Bay Minette, Alabama, the option of either serving jail time or attending the church of their choice every Sunday for a full year. Upon the conclusion of the year of attendance, all charges would be dropped. Participants would have to present evidence that they attended services each week, and be prepared to answer questions about the service.
According to Bay Minette Police Chief Mike Rowland, the objective is to turn offenders into productive members of society before they become hardened criminals. Fifty-six churches in the region have volunteered to help monitor those taking part in the program.
“It was agreed by all the pastors that at the core of the crime problem was the erosion of family values and morals,” says Rowland. “We have children raising children and parents not instilling values in young people.”
Opponents of the program argue that Operation Restore Our Community results in an excessive entanglement of church and state, and does not provide options for those who are not religious, or who are from a faith tradition not represented by the participating churches.
“This policy is blatantly unconstitutional,” says Olivia Turner, executive director for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Alabama. “It violates one basic tenet of the Constitution, namely that government can’t force participation in religious activity.” Turner adds that a legal response from the ACLU might be forthcoming.
Is such a policy unconstitutional? Or is it a reasonable way for communities to partner with faith communities to reduce crime and the costs of incarceration? Let us know your thoughts!