Crime Victims and Board Members Meet
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Hundreds of crime victims have met with the Georgia Parole Board over the past three years. Victim Impact Sessions are conducted in
Judicial Districts across the state. In a collaboration with the state's District Attorneys, the Georgia Office of Victim Services schedules victims to meet with a Board Member. The information received at the sessions is then added to the offender case files maintained by the Board.
Board Member Meg Heap held sessions including with victims in July in Americus.
Vice Chair Joyette Holmes has met with victims in Dalton and Carrollton this year.
"We’re grateful as board members that the victims want to stay a part of the process. We want them to know that their voice is heard. We know it can be difficult and painful for them,” said Holmes.
Board Member Wayne Bennett conducted victim impact sessions in Statesboro and Nashville in the Alapaha Circuit.
“We certainly appreciate the Board utilizing resources to come to Berrien County to meet with these victims. After a conviction, it is important that victims stay involved in the process to ensure the Board considers their information,” stated Alapaha Judicial Circuit District Attorney Chase Studstill.
“The Board appreciates the time and information that these victims are giving us,” says Parole Board Member Robert Markley. “There is no way the Board can make an informed decision in a case without considering victim input,” added Markley. Markley, who was appointed to the Board in January has met with crime victims in three locations.
"These meetings are very important because the board wants crime victims to be involved actively in the case and provide information that the members will consider when making a parole decision," said Board Member David Herring.