ACLU Threatens to Sue Alabama Community Over Jail-or-Church Program



First-time offenders in Bay Minette, Ala., may have a choice between serving out a jail sentence behind bars or at the church altar.

Police Chief Michael Rowland is proposing a program called Restore Our Community, or Operation ROC. It’s a program that would allow non-violent jail inmates to opt out of a jail sentence if he or she agrees to a weekly monitored church visit.

“It’s an easy choice for me. If I was given the choice to go to jail and paying a heavy fine or going to church. I’d certainly select church,â€