Church or jail? City mulls plan to offer choice

Authorities in the southern US state of Alabama are studying how to implement one city's proposal for first-time, non-violent offenders to choose between church or jail.

The Restore Our Community program, or Operation ROC, launched by police in the city of Bay Minette, is currently under legal review.

It would offer people convicted of first-time misdemeanors the option to attend church once a week for a year and discuss the church's services or go to jail and pay a fine.

Church attendance would be monitored by local police and other authorities.

But the American Civil Liberties Union, a rights group, said the proposal "flagrantly" violates both the state and federal constitutions regarding separation of church and state.

In a letter sent to city leaders demanding an immediate end to the program, the ACLU's Alabama branch also requested public records on the proposal's development and creation.

"It's good to hear they are delaying implementation," Alabama ACLU executive director Olivia Turner said in a statement after Police Chief Michael Rowland said the program would be delayed for several weeks while under review.

The city also plans to ask the Alabama attorney general to review the initiative.

So far, 56 churches have expressed support, according to Rowland, who says there is "overwhelming" public support for the plan.

Rowland said the program could help rehabilitate some offenders by providing them resources and alternatives to crime.
 

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