Criminal Justice

Unchecked Power

The Extraordinary Power of Alabama Sheriffs

Alabama sheriffs operate with little oversight, and there are vast county-by-county disparities in how they execute their duties and enforce the law.

What Happens When Sheriffs Release Violent Offenders to Avoid Paying Their Medical Bills

by Connor Sheets, AL.com,

Dec. 31, 2019, 6 a.m. EST

How Some Sheriffs Force Their Inmates Into Medical Debt

by Connor Sheets, AL.com,

Dec. 26, 2019, 6 a.m. EST

An Inmate Needed Emergency Medical Help. The Jail’s Response: See if She Has Insurance.

by Connor Sheets, AL.com,

Oct. 1, 2019, 6 a.m. EDT

These Sheriffs Release Sick Inmates to Avoid Paying Their Hospital Bills

by Connor Sheets, AL.com,

Sept. 30, 2019, 6 a.m. EDT

The Sheriff Lost Reelection. Then the Spending Spree Began.

by Connor Sheets, AL.com,

June 28, 2019, 8 a.m. EDT

How Nine Sheriffs Who Lost Reelection Made Life Harder for Their Successors

by Connor Sheets, AL.com,

June 12, 2019, 7 a.m. EDT

Wasted Funds, Destroyed Property: How Sheriffs Undermined Their Successors After Losing Reelection

by Connor Sheets, AL.com,

June 12, 2019, 7 a.m. EDT