Summer 2024
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All five Georgia Parole Board Members met with crime victims during the first half of 2024.
Victim Impact Sessions involve the victim meeting face-to-face with a Parole Board Member, Georgia Office of Victim Services staff and the Board's Clemency staff.
Board Members met with victims in Dougherty, Clayton, Cobb, Newton, and Ware Counties.
In June, Chairman-elect David Herring met with victims in Covington.
"These sessions are extremely important to the victims and the Board," stated Herring. "It's our opportunity to hear directly from the victim and provide them with all the time they need to provide input to the Board Members," he added.
"I am grateful to these victims for agreeing to meet today. These victims are making their voices heard and becoming a necessary part of the parole decision-making process," said Herring.
Board Members Meg Heap, Joyette Holmes, Terry Barnard, and Wayne Bennett participated in Victim Impact Sessions.
Heap and Bennett met with victims in Albany.
"As a victim advocate early in my career, I know that the impact is very real on the victim. I am thankful, although painful for them, that these victims decided to meet with us in Albany," said Heap.
"These sessions can be very emotional for the victims; however, our experienced victims staff maintain a safe and comforting place for them to tell their stories," said Holmes.
Holmes met with victims in Cobb County and Clayton County.
Parole Board Chairman Terry Barnard met with crime victims in Ware County.
"As a Board we've strived to find every victim in Georgia so their voice can be heard," stated Barnard.
Board Members Are Listening to Crime Victims
Victims have a voice in the parole process