Officials in Calhoun County are raising concerns associated with rehabilitation facilities and halfway houses after the escape of a suspect with an extensive criminal history.
Daniel Lee Jackson reportedly escaped from an Oxford rehabilitation center on Monday. Jackson, who has a history of burglary and breaking and entering vehicles charges in Mobile County, has since turned himself in. However, the Oxford Police Department (OXPD) said the escape underscores an ongoing public safety concern. Police chief Bill Partridge said OXPD was not informed of the escape by the rehabilitation center.
“There are currently hundreds of individuals housed in such facilities throughout the county,” stated Partridge. “In recent years, OXPD has investigated multiple criminal incidents—including vehicle thefts, burglaries, assaults, and robberies—committed by individuals who were transported into Calhoun County and housed in these facilities without sufficient oversight or coordination with law enforcement.”
The police department is initiating a comprehensive investigation to determine whether additional individuals have escaped from facilities in Oxford and Calhoun County without proper notification. Partridge said there are also concerns about the release of individuals from rehab facilities who are dropped off at shopping centers or other public areas without notification.
“Such practices pose an unnecessary risk to the community,” Partridge added. “Individuals removed from rehabilitation programs should be returned to their county of residence whenever appropriate.”
The City of Oxford is working to implement a new local law regulating rehabilitation centers. The law, sponsored by State Sen. Keith Kelley (R-Anniston), was passed last year and authorized the County Commission and municipal governing bodies to regulate halfway houses.
The Calhoun County Commission said it is already working with municipalities and the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office on new regulations, though the process has not been easy, according to a Commission statement.
“It is important for the public to understand a key difference between counties and cities. Unlike municipalities, which already have regulatory tools such as licensing authority, zoning ordinances, building inspectors, and city police and fire departments, the County — as a result of the limited powers of counties under Alabama law — does not perform these functions and does not currently have these tools in place,” the statement read. “As a result, Calhoun County must build a regulatory system and enforcement process from the ground up.”
The Commission said its members are in communication with state legislators on next steps.
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