Victim Impact Sessions and the Parole Board
8
Engaging Paroling Authorities
The Georgia Parole Board continues engagement of crime victims by conducting Victim Impact Sessions to ensure they have a voice in the parole- decision making process.
All five of the Georgia Parole Board Members hold in person meetings with crime victims to gain input into offender case files, information the members then consider when making parole decisions.
District Attorneys from Georgia's Judicial Circuits collaborate with
the Parole Board and the Georgia Office of Victim Services to conduct the Victim Impact Sessions. Cases selected are those that the parole board will consider based on the parole eligibility of the offender.
During the spring and summer months Victim Impact Sessions were held in the Atlantic, Brunswick, Cordele, Northern, Piedmont, South Georgia, Tallapoosa, and Towaliga Judicial Circuits.
"The emotion and courage of these victims is clear as they speak to us about the impact of these crimes. It is information the Board will consider as we review the comprehensive case file of that particular offender." - Wayne Bennett, Vice Chair
The Georgia Parole Board continues to engage parole authorities nationwide and globally. Executive Director Chris Barnett says it is imperative to advance parole to enhance public safety.
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