Georgia Parole Review Fall 2018 | Page 7

PERKS

Parole Violation

Decision Making

The Parole Exits and Revocation Knowledge System (PERKS) is an evaluation of how the agency addresses parole violations and includes recommendations for improvements aimed at enhancing public safety.

The study of the Board's current process for addressing parole violations including revocations was a collaboration with the Robina Institute. The agency is now working to determine which recommendations may be implemented to enhance the process and lead to the development of a more consistent and predictable method of responding to parole violations.

The end goal is to improve decision making by the Board regarding offenders who violate parole conditions and therefore improve offender outcomes.

"The Robina Institute provided valuable assistance in assessing our board's post-prison decision making process as it relates to addressing parole violations. The criminal justice experience of the professionals at the Robina Institute was the right choice for Georgia to assist us in determining appropriate modifications aimed at producing better outcomes and enhanced public safety," stated Chris Barnett, Executive Director of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Recommendations from the research are being worked into a new module. That work is through a collaboration with Applied Research Services, Inc. (ARS).

Review full PERKS report

The Parole Board Members and staff have toured the new Metro Reentry Facility operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections. The facility is a transition and program facility for offenders nearing release via parole or by completing their prison sentence.

"This facility is a part of Governor Deal’s criminal justice reform vision and I believe it will pay great dividends for years to come. It is another piece to successful transitioning of offenders from prison back to the community," stated Chairman Terry Barnard.

The facility houses parole eligible inmates that may receive parole or will be released after completing their prison sentence.

"It is very impressive, with the programming and what the inmates are accomplishing at this facility. The mentoring program involving offenders helping their fellow inmates, and counseling them is impressive. It is what Governor Deal had in mind to assist offenders as they reenter society," said Board Member David Herring.

Parole staff also spoke to offenders at the facility encouraging them to continue their success in hopes of receiving parole.

“It’s important that the inmates across the system understand there is more to it than simply wanting to be released. They have to be parole ready, meaning identifiable change has occurred through successful program completions and following institutional rules. The Board is looking for individuals who are truly exhibiting change and a different behavior than that which resulted in them being incarcerated," stated Executive Director of Parole Chris Barnett.

Governor Nathan Deal delivered remarks at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the facility in early August. Board Members and parole staff attended in support.

Learn more about the facility

Reentry Facility Opens

Board Members Take Tour

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Georgia Parole Review

The Georgia Department of Corrections Metro Reentry Facility Ribbon Cutting ceremony was Thursday, August 2, 2018. Governor Nathan Deal delivered remarks. The facility is a transition and program facility for offenders within two years of leaving prison and returning to the community. The facility is opened in support of Governor Deal's Criminal Justice Reform initiatives. Parole Board Member David Herring, Exec. Director of Parole Chris Barnett and other parole senior staff attended in support of the new facility.