Alabama criminals given a choice: hard time or church every Sunday

For nonviolent criminals in Bay Minette, Ala., jail is only one way they can do the time for their crime. Another way? Agree to church every Sunday for a year. The program, called Operation Restore Our Community, allows misdemeanor offenders the option to go to jail and pay a fine or attend the church of their choosing. Offenders must check in weekly with both a church's pastor and the police department to get credit for attending services. After a year, the case is dismissed. Police Chief Mike Rowland says 56 churches are participating in the program and that, according to him, it's perfectly legal because criminals are allowed the freedom to choose the church option. [Source]

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