The bill amends Section 14-3-9 of the Code of Alabama 1975, concerning the Department of Corrections. It includes changes to the naming and responsibilities of certain divisions and classifications within the department. The Investigation and Intelligence Division is renamed to the Law Enforcement Services Division. Additionally, the bill introduces a correctional canine classification as a law enforcement officer of the state. The language of the existing code is updated to reflect current style, removing phrases such as "It shall be the duty of all" and "that may come to their knowledge," and replacing them with more direct language like "All employees of the Department of Corrections shall report all violations."

The bill also revises the legal status and powers of certain employees within the Department of Corrections. Employees classified as "correctional investigative services officers," those in the correctional canine classification, and their supervisors are considered law enforcement officers of the state, with full police powers and jurisdiction. The bill removes the previous limitations on the powers of correctional investigative services officers, which were restricted to investigations and arrests involving inmates or employees of the Department of Corrections and their associates. The bill requires all officers and supervisors given police powers by this section to comply with the minimum standards in effect for state law enforcement officers. The act is set to become effective on June 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 14-3-9
Enrolled: 14-3-9