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New Razor Policy in Alabama Prisons

Washington Post

Alabama prisons are changing the way razors are distributed.

The change comes from an agreement with lawyers for inmates suing the state over medical care.  Attorneys had accused the state of giving razor blades to inmates who were known to be suicidal or mentally ill, leading to repeated suicide attempts.

According to an agreement filed in federal court, inmates in mental health units will use clipper shavers and won't get razors. Inmates placed in segregation units for discipline or other issues will have access to razors only during showers. An attorney with the Southern Poverty Law Center says the changes should make inmates safer.

Officials previously disputed the accusations about safety and said control policies were already in place.

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