Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and law enforcement leaders from across Alabama formally called on Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday to reappoint Leigh Gwathney as chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.
In a letter sent to Ivey, Marshall praised Gwathney’s leadership, her background as a seasoned prosecutor and her commitment to prioritizing public safety in the face of intense political pressure.
Ivey is currently considering whether to reappoint Gwathney or someone else as board chair.
Marshall and the law enforcement leaders write in the letter to Ivey, “[T]he most consequential decision you made during the 2019 parole reforms was placing Ms. Gwathney at the helm of the board. She has earned the trust of law enforcement, prosecutors, and crime victims across Alabama.”
According to the letter, Gwathney’s leadership comes at a time when nearly 85% of Alabama’s prison population consists of violent offenders—individuals the parole board is routinely pressured to release. Marshall and others commended Gwathney for resisting such pressures and for consistently putting the safety of Alabama communities first.
“Reappointing Leigh Gwathney is about more than leadership—it’s about protecting Alabama families from violent criminals and honoring the voices of victims who too often go unheard,” Marshall said in a statement. “Ms. Gwathney has never lost sight of what’s at stake: the safety of our citizens and the dignity of those who have suffered at the hands of violent offenders.”
The letter, signed by 76 law enforcement leaders, concludes with a call for Ivey to reappoint Gwathney to lead the board.
Law Enforcement Leaders by Caleb Taylor on Scribd
To connect with the story's author or comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
