Why does Alabama have some of the most overcrowded prisons in the country? One reason, you'll find, is Alabama has one of the lowest parole rates in the country. According to the Alabama parole board’s data, in fiscal year 2023, there were 3,583 parole hearings. Just 297 were granted. That’s despite the parole board’s own guidelines suggesting more than 80% of the prisoners should qualify for a second chance. The board even rejected all 10 people over 80 who were up for parole in 2023. It wasn’t always this way. Just five years ago, more than half of those who had a parole hearing were granted release. This project was completed with the support of a grant from Columbia University’s Ira A. Lipman Center for Journalism and Civil and Human Rights in conjunction with Arnold Ventures.

Producer/Editor/Director/Writer: Amanda Khorramabadi

Graphics: Cory Anchors

Reporter: Ivana Hrynkiw