Georgia Parole Review
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METTER ROTARY
“Everything is better in Metter!" Deputy Executive Director of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, Rita Rocker, delivered an overview of the agency and the Board at the Rotary Club of Metter.
"It was my pleasure to speak to this group and engage them regarding the Parole Board's authority, responsibilities and our operations," stated Rocker.
Rocker spoke about the clemency process to include the parole and pardon processes and she spoke about the Georgia Office of Victim Services (GOVS), of which she serves as Director of the Office.
Parole Board Executive Director Chris Barnett stated, "We will continue to engage, educate and encourage active participation in the parole process while enhancing operations in order to continuously improve public safety for all Georgians."
"We feel like we have a new public safety partner in the Metter Rotary Club," he added.
Parolees Returned to Families after completing GDC programs
Two parolees were returned to supervision following their graduation from the Department of Corrections’ Colwell Probation Detention Center (PDC) RESCUED program. Board Member David Herring was the guest speaker.
"This is truly a transformational program. You can see and hear the commitment of these offenders to take what they've learned and continue to keep moving forward. They have accepted the responsibility of completing this program by training and caring for these dogs that had no future but now are available for adoption. These offenders have shown the ability to make the change in their behaviors and attitudes necessary to be successful," stated Herring.
The detainees are training rescued dogs that were to be euthanized.
Parole Board Executive Director Chris Barnett also attended. "GDC is an important criminal justice partner of the Parole Board. We appreciate the opportunity to include parolees in the program," said Barnett.
MORE ENGAGEMENT TO ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY
The Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP) and the Georgia Parole Board are furthering public safety through training.
Parole leadership provided training to Georgia police at the District 10 meeting of GACP providing education about the agency's operations.
"These officers are on the front lines of public safety,” said the Board’s Executive Director, Chris Barnett. “By engaging and educating these police chiefs and officers regarding the Parole Board, we can ensure that our communications remain open and that the Board Members receive all available information regarding parole-eligible offenders," said Barnett.
The training included information about the Parole Board’s clemency process, parole compliance and victim services.