While the Board makes every effort to locate victims
who are not registered with the state, crime victims
are encouraged to register at the time of sentencing
through the local district attorney’s office or by
contacting the Georgia Office of Victim Services.
Registration ensures notification regarding the parole
status of the offender, pending decisions and release
information and most importantly ensures the victim’s
information is considered by the Board prior to a
parole decision. The Board and the Georgia Office of
Victim Services are now in the planning stages for the
next Victim Visitors’ Day in Athens in April.
Contact the Georgia Office of Victim Services at
404-651- 6668 or 1-800-593-9474 to learn more
about services and registration. You may reach the
State Board of Pardons and Paroles at 404-657-9450.
About the author: Steve Hayes is the director of com-
munications for the State Board of Pardons and Pa-
roles. The office is responsible for internal and external
communications and distribution of public information.
You may contact him at [email protected].
Photo above: Chairman Terry Barnard meeting with a crime victim at a Victi
Visitors' Day
www.gachiefs.com • Page 9 • 1st Quarter Newsletter