The Board members in action
At the March monthly board meeting the members introduced proposed changes to the Parole Decision Guidelines System. A public comment period was opened for 30 days. The new guidelines were approved at the April board meeting.
“Best practices in parole decision making supports that we routinely review and update the Parole Decision Guidelines System to ensure the Board receives complete and accurate information regarding new statewide sentencing averages along with outcomes from previous boards’ decisions in order that public safety is achieved through equitable and fair parole decisions,” stated Parole Board Chairman Terry Barnard.
When considering parole for offenders who will become statutorily eligible for parole consideration and who are serving less than a life sentence, through the application of the Parole Decision Guidelines System, the Board receives a recommendation of months, or a percentage of the sentence to serve.
Parole Board Member Jacqueline Bunn visited the Department of Corrections' Metro Transitional Center in February.
The Georgia Department of Corrections operates 13 Transitional Centers (TC) in Georgia. TC residents work jobs in the community as they work toward release and reentry. The Metro TC is one of two work release facilities for female offenders.
"I was interested in seeing the Children's Center they operate at the Metro TC. It's a wonderful program as the Department of Corrections works to reconnect offenders with their children. It's just one of the many ways the TC connects the offender back to the family as that inmate is working toward reentry. Superintendent Wiggins operates an excellent Transitional Center for the Dept. of Corrections," stated Bunn. Our many thanks to Metro TC Superintendent Pamela Wiggins and her staff.
Parole Guidelines
(See Guidelines opposite page)
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Georgia Parole Review