Three Alabama inmates are on the run - prompting authorities to re-examine work release programs within the state. Officials say that all three inmates escaped from work release programs – and all are still at large.

One escaped Alabama inmate is rumored to be in Kansas City, prompting state officials to ask for help from Kansas City corrections officers and citizens. Carl Brad Ward, 40, escaped on September 7 while working under supervision, and then stole an employee's 2001 Mitsubishi 3000 GT. Ward had been convicted on murder charges. 

According to reports, two more Alabama inmates escaped as well. Donald Wayne Smith Jr., 48, and Norman Wayne Griffin, 40, escaped on Wednesday after stealing a city vehicle from the maintenance shop where they were working. Although neither man is believed to be armed, Smith was serving a 20-year sentence for theft-related convictions and Griffin was serving a 20-year sentence for third-degree robber and theft.

Alabama currently has 28 inmates on work release and 247 others enrolled in community work centers – all of whom are being moved to traditional prisons until the work release programs can be reviewed.