Curtavious Gainey sat quietly at Burruss Correctional Training Center along with other inmates listening to remarks by Parole Board Members about success and change for inmates while incarcerated. Gainey since being imprisoned had earned his high school diploma. As Parole Board Vice Chairman James Mills began to explain how someone in the audience would be receiving parole that day, the inmates' attention intensified. The Board in a dramatic way announced it was Gainey, who was surprised and overwhelmed by the news.
The Board's actions were meant to make an impact on the inmate population. The public announcement inside a Georgia prison and granting parole in person to an inmate broke from the usual procedures which involve electronic notifications to the prison staff who then inform an inmate about a parole decision. The Board wanted to present the parole grant in person so other inmates would realize that institutional success can impact parole decisions and that inmates should make themselves parole ready.
Board Sees Change, Grants parole
Vice Chairman Mills told the inmates that they cannot change their past only their future.
"The only person you can change is you," Mills stated. "You have the opportunity to change the way you're living." He says the Board looks for progress by an inmate.
Gainey, sentenced to 5 years for burglary, had served 2 years of his sentence, had an excellent conduct record and he had achieved success through several program completions including passing high school through the Department of Corrections' new Charter School Program.
Board Member Braxton Cotton also spoke to the inmates. Cotton stated, "The best way to get ready (for parole) is to stay ready."
Exec. Director of Parole Chris Barnett told the inmates that the Board is looking for inmates who are successful while in prison.
"i just want to get out there and show the world i can do Better." - Curtavious Gainey
Georgia Parole Review
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