GPS RESEARCH LIBRARY: BOPP Annual Report FY2024 — Georgia Parole Board ============================================================ Georgia Prisoners' Speak — gps.press Generated: 2026-08-21 22:07:52 EDT Research Date: 2026-08-13 Topic: Parole JSON: https://gps.press/research-data/bopp-annual-report-fy2024-georgia-parole-board/?format=json SUMMARY ---------------------------------------- The Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles FY 2024 Annual Report documents the Board's clemency and parole operations, reporting 5,443 offenders released on parole during the fiscal year and a 72% parole completion rate, which exceeds the estimated national average of 60%. The report details significant operational milestones including full automation of the pardon application process, revalidation of the Parole Decision Guidelines Rating System, and the appointment of two new Board members by Governor Kemp. Key statistics include 19,328 inmate cases considered, 69,375 clemency votes cast, 1,437 parole revocations, and an estimated cost avoidance of more than $343 million from parole supervision versus incarceration. STATISTICS (53) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Offenders released on parole in FY24 In Fiscal Year 2024, through the Board's executive clemency authority, 5,443 offenders were released from prison to serve the remainder of their prison sentence on parole. Value: 5443.0 offenders (vs. 5863 FY23 parole releases) Tags: parole,releases,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole releases decreased in FY24 During FY24, the Parole Board released 5,443 offenders from prison. This total represented 420 fewer parole board-initiated releases from the previous fiscal year. Value: 420.0 fewer releases (vs. 5863 FY23 releases) Tags: parole,releases,trend Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Georgia parole completion rate FY24 Georgia's percentage of parolees successfully completing parole in FY24 was 72%. The national average was estimated to be approximately 60%. Value: 72.0 percent (vs. 60 National average (estimated)) Tags: parole,reentry,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Total clemency votes cast in FY24 In FY24, the five Board Members made a total of 69,375 votes. The total represents all Board decisions requiring a vote and multiple votes or decisions for each offender case during the fiscal year. Value: 69375.0 votes Tags: operations,parole,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Inmate cases considered in FY24 The total number of parole eligible offender cases considered by the Board Members during the fiscal year was 19,328. Value: 19328.0 cases Tags: parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [estimated] Annual cost avoidance from parole supervision FY24 The annual estimated cost avoidance to the state, due to offenders being under parole supervision as opposed to housing them in a state prison, was more than 343 million dollars for FY24. Value: 343000000.0 dollars (vs. 319000000 FY23 cost avoidance) Tags: budget,parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Cost per day of incarceration vs. parole supervision FY24 The fiscal year cost avoidance is calculated based on the FY24 cost per day to incarcerate a state inmate in Georgia ($68.51) compared to the community supervision cost per day ($2.89). Value: 68.51 dollars per day (vs. 2.89 Community supervision cost per day) Tags: budget,operations,parole Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Offender files initiated for consideration in FY24 In FY24, there were 16,972 offender files initiated for consideration by the Clemency Division. Value: 16972.0 files Tags: parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] GPEDS notifications generated in FY24 For FY24, 41,271 notifications (all types) were generated by GPEDS (Georgia Parole Evidence-based Data System). Value: 41271.0 notifications Tags: operations,policy,parole Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Preconditions to parole imposed in FY24 There were 2,404 preconditions to parole imposed by the Board on inmates during the fiscal year. Value: 2404.0 preconditions Tags: parole,policy,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] PIC points granted in FY24 In FY24, the Parole Board members granted 29,962 PIC or PIC points to state inmates who had earned them by completing specific programming and work details. Each PIC point equals one month that a TPM can be changed to an earlier date. Value: 29962.0 PIC points (vs. 26855 FY23 PIC points) Tags: parole,reentry,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Second solicitation/notification to judges and prosecutors in FY24 In FY24, 2,324 case notifications or second solicitations/notifications were sent to judges and prosecutors regarding offenders convicted of serious felonies. Value: 2324.0 notifications Tags: operations,parole,legal Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] 90-day notifications sent in FY24 In FY24, the Board sent 90-day notifications in 208 cases regarding serious violent felony parole consideration. (O.C.G.A. § 17-10-6.1.) & (O.C.G.A. § 42-9-43(c) (1)) Value: 208.0 cases Tags: operations,parole,legal Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Life-sentenced inmates granted/released in FY24 In FY24, 67 lifers serving for a Serious Violent Felony were granted/released. Total lifers considered for parole in FY24 was 2,046. Value: 67.0 offenders (vs. 2046 Total lifers considered) Tags: parole,legal,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Average time served for life-sentenced serious violent felons in FY24 In FY 2024, the average time served on a life sentence prior to a release was 29.2 years. In 1973, life-sentenced inmates convicted of serious violent felonies served less than nine years in prison, on average, before being released. By the year 2000, the average had increased to more than 15 years. By 2010, the average time served was nearly 20 years. Value: 29.2 years (vs. 9 Average years served in 1973) Tags: parole,legal,trend Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Pardon notifications to district attorneys in FY24 During FY24, the Parole Board sent 617 notifications to district attorneys regarding ex-offenders applying for pardons. Value: 617.0 notifications Tags: legal,operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Pardon and restoration of rights applications received in FY24 In FY24, 845 pardon and restoration of rights applications were received and 446 were granted (all types). There were 118 fewer applications granted during the fiscal year compared to the previous year. Value: 845.0 applications (vs. 446 Applications granted) Tags: legal,operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Clemency investigations completed in FY24 In FY24, the clemency investigators completed 34,936 investigations for the Parole Board. Value: 34936.0 investigations Tags: operations,parole Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Final reviews completed by Critical Analysis Unit in FY24 During FY24, 9,193 final reviews were completed and hundreds of random audits were completed to verify the accuracy of case evaluations, risk level assessments and assigned crime severity levels. Value: 9193.0 final reviews Tags: operations,parole Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole population decrease during FY24 During Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), the population of offenders on parole under community supervision decreased from 16,369 on July 1, 2023, to 15,105 on June 30, 2024. Value: 15105.0 offenders (vs. 16369 Population on July 1, 2023) Tags: parole,operations,trend Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Offenders discharged from parole in FY24 The number of offenders discharged from parole was 4,930 in FY24. Value: 4930.0 offenders Tags: parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Cumulative offenders under parole supervision in FY24 The cumulative number of offenders under parole supervision during the fiscal year was 22,406. Value: 22406.0 offenders Tags: parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole warrants issued in FY24 In FY24, a total of 3,747 warrants were issued by the Parole Board. Value: 3747.0 warrants Tags: operations,parole,legal Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Warrants entered into GCIC/NCIC system in FY24 In FY24, the GCIC Unit entered 2,100 warrants into the GCIC/NCIC system. Value: 2100.0 warrants Tags: operations,parole,legal Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole revocations in FY24 During FY24, the Board revoked 1,437 parole violators returning the offenders to prison to serve their sentences in confinement. The number revoked decreased by 115 from the previous fiscal year. Value: 1437.0 revocations (vs. 1552 FY23 revocations) Tags: parole,operations,legal Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Technical parole violations under 1% in FY24 Of the FY24 total number of revocations, less than 1% were revoked based on technical violations which include, but not limited to; drug use, curfew violations, or failure to pay fines and fees. Value: 1.0 percent Tags: parole,operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Final revocation hearings conducted in FY24 Parole Board Members conducted 272 final revocation hearings during FY24. Value: 272.0 hearings Tags: parole,operations,legal Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] SB174 commutation cases considered in FY24 During FY 2024, the Parole Board considered 761 cases for commutation under SB174 and commuted nine (9) cases that met the strict criteria of the Board. Value: 761.0 cases considered (vs. 9 Cases commuted) Tags: legal,parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Offenders released to out-of-state supervision in FY24 During FY24, the Interstate Compact Unit released 222 offenders to out-of-state supervision. Value: 222.0 offenders Tags: parole,operations,transfers Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Georgia offenders under parole supervision in Compact states As of June 30, 2024, there were 2,143 Georgia offenders under active parole supervision in Compact states and 1,349 other Compact state offenders on parole supervision in Georgia. Value: 2143.0 offenders (vs. 1349 Other state offenders supervised in Georgia) Date: 2024-06-30 Tags: parole,transfers,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Foreign national offenders released to ICE in FY24 Via the ICE Rapid REPAT (Removal of Eligible Parolees Accepted for Transfer) Program, fourteen (14) foreign national offenders were released to ICE for deportation at an estimated cost avoidance of $2,530,348. Value: 14.0 offenders (vs. 2530348 Estimated cost avoidance (dollars)) Tags: operations,transfers,budget Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Documents scanned into case management systems in FY24 During FY24, 38,110 documents were scanned into the case management systems (Portal, GPEDS and TRIM system) utilized by the Board to make parole decisions. Value: 38110.0 documents Tags: operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Active lifer parole files scanned in FY24 There were 1,016 active lifer offender parole files scanned, and 10,109 archived files imaged during the fiscal year. There are approximately 127,459 archived files remaining to be imaged. Value: 1016.0 files (vs. 10109 Archived files imaged) Tags: operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] New Direction Recovery Program referrals in FY24 For FY24, thirty (30) parolees were referred to the New Direction Recovery Program. As of June 30, 2024, nineteen (19) parolees had graduated from the program during the fiscal year and were returned to parole supervision. Value: 30.0 parolees referred (vs. 19 Parolees graduated) Tags: parole,reentry,mental_health,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Victim phone calls handled in FY24 In FY24, 13,189 phone calls from or to victims were handled by staff, 29,665 outgoing correspondences were sent to victims in response to concerns, and 9,320 correspondences were received from victims and filed with the office. Value: 13189.0 phone calls (vs. 29665 Outgoing correspondences) Tags: operations,victims,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] GA-V.I.P. registrants in FY24 For FY24, there were 3,078 new GA-V.I.P. registrants, and 4,480 phone calls from victims were logged into the system. The system made 2,097 calls to victims. Value: 3078.0 new registrants (vs. 4480 Phone calls logged) Tags: operations,victims,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Victim Offender Dialogues initiated in FY24 In Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, five (5) VOD dialogues were initiated. Five (5) more dialogues are in the process of being completed in FY 2025. Value: 5.0 dialogues Tags: victims,operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Victim Impact Sessions conducted in FY24 In FY24, nine (9) Victim Impact Sessions were conducted. The sessions were conducted in the Southern, Ocmulgee, Columbia, Cherokee, Augusta, Waycross, Dougherty, Clayton, and Alcovy judicial circuits. Since April 2022, nineteen (19) Victim Impact Sessions have been conducted, and three hundred (300) victims have had the opportunity to meet with the Board. Value: 9.0 sessions (vs. 300 Victims who met with Board since April 2022) Tags: victims,operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Total full-time employees at Parole Board The agency employs 179 full-time employees as of June 30, 2024. The agency employs 11 U.S. military veterans. Value: 179.0 employees (vs. 11 Military veterans) Date: 2024-06-30 Tags: operations,staffing Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Employee demographics by race As of June 30, 2024, the agency's workforce included: Asian 2, Black 101, White 74, Hispanic 1, Other 1. Value: 101.0 Black employees (vs. 74 White employees) Date: 2024-06-30 Tags: staffing,demographics Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Employee demographics by gender As of June 30, 2024, the agency employed 148 females and 31 males. Value: 148.0 female employees (vs. 31 Male employees) Date: 2024-06-30 Tags: staffing,demographics Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Training hours taken by staff in FY24 Sworn staff completed 3,245 training hours and non-sworn staff completed 711 training hours in FY24. Training hours delivered by Parole Training Office totaled 1,262. Value: 3245.0 hours (sworn staff) (vs. 711 Hours (non-sworn staff)) Tags: operations,staffing,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] FY24 total expenditures FY24 total expenditures for the State Board of Pardons and Paroles were $20,240,569.85. Personal services accounted for $17,602,670.30 (86.96% of expenditures). Value: 20240569.85 dollars (vs. 17602670.3 Personal services expenditures) Tags: budget,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] FY24 budget by program FY 2024 Budget by program: Board Administration $2,429,519.00 (11.8853%), Clemency Decisions $17,266,713.00 (84.4692%), Victim Services $745,204.00 (3.6455%). Total Funds: $20,441,436.00. Value: 20441436.0 dollars Tags: budget,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] FY24 expenditures by fund type FY 2024 expenditures by fund type: State Funds $20,050,228.34, Federal Funds $78,069.11, Other Funds $112,272.40. Total Funds: $20,240,569.85. Value: 20050228.34 dollars (state funds) (vs. 78069.11 Federal funds) Tags: budget,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole Board workforce size Our small, dedicated workforce is made up of 179 individuals who all have important roles they must excel at in order to support the board's decisions. Value: 179.0 employees Tags: staffing,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole investigators staffing Fifty-seven (57) investigators work in the Investigations Unit. Thirty-six (36) investigators are assigned to the field and complete post sentence investigations and profiles for all offenders sentenced by Georgia courts. Ten (10) investigators are assigned to work within the prisons to conduct personal history statements on inmates during the diagnostic process. The Board has eleven (11) P.O.S.T. certified criminal investigators. Value: 57.0 investigators (vs. 36 Field investigators) Tags: staffing,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] FY24 clemency actions summary FY24 Clemency Actions: Parole Certificates 3,890; Out-of-State Parole Orders 197; Conditional Transfers 751; Out-of-State Conditional Transfers 120; Supervised Reprieves 461; Out-of-State Supervised Reprieves 0; Commutations 0; Medical Reprieves 10; Out-of-State ICE Orders 14; Total Prison Releases by Parole 5,443; Total Discharges from Parole 4,930; Total Guidelines Decisions 12,257; Life Sentence Cases Denied 1,953; Life Sentence Cases Granted/released 93; Total Life Sentence Case Decisions 2,046; Restoration of Civil and Political Rights Granted 100; Pardon Grants 346; Total Pardons & Restorations Granted 446. Value: 5443.0 total prison releases by parole (vs. 4930 Total discharges from parole) Tags: parole,operations,legal Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Pardons granted breakdown FY24 Pardons Granted FY24: Applications received (all types – pardons and RR) 845; Pardons granted without firearms being restored 169; Pardons granted with firearms being restored 177; Restorations of civil and political rights 90; Restorations of civil and political rights with firearms restored 10; Total applications granted (including applications filed in previous year) 446. Value: 845.0 applications received (vs. 446 Total applications granted) Tags: legal,operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Board case consideration breakdown FY24 In FY24, the Board considered 19,328 cases for releases or future tentative parole months: 2,046 life sentenced cases; 12,257 guideline cases; 5,025 short sentence cases. Value: 19328.0 cases Tags: parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Employee tenure distribution Employees by tenure as of June 30, 2024: 00-10 Years: 74; 11-20 Years: 46; 21-30 Years: 41; 31-40 Years: 17; 41+ Years: 1. Value: 74.0 employees (0-10 years) (vs. 46 Employees (11-20 years)) Date: 2024-06-30 Tags: staffing,demographics Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Employee age distribution Employees by age group as of June 30, 2024: 21-30: 16; 31-40: 36; 41-50: 49; 51-60: 55; 61-70: 23. Value: 55.0 employees (51-60) (vs. 16 Employees (21-30)) Date: 2024-06-30 Tags: staffing,demographics Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Outstanding reserve request for GCIC disposition backlog Note: Expenditures do not account for an outstanding reserve request to utilize $156,905 in FY24 funds in FY25 for the GCIC disposition backlog overtime project. Value: 156905.0 dollars Tags: budget,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 LEGAL FACTS (18) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Board established through constitutional amendment in 1943 In 1943, the Board was established through a constitutional amendment and consisted of three members. In August of 1943, Georgia voters ratified, by a ratio of four and a half to one, a landmark amendment to the State Constitution establishing the State Board of Pardons and Paroles as an independent agency authorized to grant paroles, pardons, reprieves, commute sentences, including death sentences, and remove disabilities imposed by law. Date: 1943-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Board expanded to five members in 1973 In 1973, as the prison population rose to 9,000, the Constitution was amended to increase the Board to five members. Today, with an inmate population at approximately 50,000, the Board still consists of five voting members. Date: 1973-01-01 Tags: legal,policy,demographics Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Board is sole authority for death sentence commutation The Board is the only entity in Georgia with the constitutional authority to commute a death sentence. The Governor does not have this authority in Georgia. Tags: legal,death,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole eligibility for seven deadly sins offenses Since 1995, there have been two statutory changes pertaining to serious violent felonies that determine the minimum amount of the sentence to be served to become parole eligible for offenders sentenced to life with parole eligibility. If a crime considered to be a 'seven deadly sins' offense was committed prior to 1995, the offender is eligible after seven years. Beginning in 1995, offenders committing these crimes became eligible after serving 14 years. If the crime is committed after June 30, 2006, the offender is eligible for parole after serving 30 years. Tags: legal,parole,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] SB174 commutation provision Senate Bill 174, passed in 2017, included a provision requiring the Board to consider commuting the sentences of specific offenders serving a split sentence who have successfully completed twelve (12) consecutive months of parole supervision (O.C.G.A. § 42-8-21). Under provisions of the legislation, offenders must have probation to serve following the prison portion of their sentence. Date: 2017-01-01 Tags: legal,parole,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Three of five board members must agree on parole decision Three of the five board members must agree on a decision. Not only is a majority of three votes required to grant or deny parole, but other votes may also be required for each individual parole case. Tags: legal,parole,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole Board members appointed by Governor to seven-year terms The Georgia Constitution provides that Parole Board Members are to be appointed by the Governor to seven-year staggered terms, subject to confirmation by the State Senate. Board Members are full-time state employees from various professions including criminal justice and private business. Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole came to Georgia in 1908 Parole came to Georgia in 1908 when the General Assembly voted to give the Prison Commission authority to implement a system of 'parole or conditional pardons.' Parole could be granted upon the approval of the full Commission and the Governor. Date: 1908-01-01 Tags: legal,parole,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole Board created as independent agency in 1943 The General Assembly passed legislation and it was signed into law in February of 1943, creating the State Board of Pardons and Paroles as an independent agency to administer executive clemency. Date: 1943-02-01 Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] 72-hour statutory notification before parole release Judges, district attorneys, sheriffs (of the county of residence prior to the arrest and the county of conviction) and registered victims also receive a 72-hour statutory notification that the offender is about to be paroled. (O.C.G.A. § 42-9-47) Tags: legal,parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Registered victims receive parole consideration notification Registered victims of a crime are given notification at the time the Board is considering a parole release, allowing for a period for the victim to send the Board information about the case. (O.C.G.A. § 17-17-13) Tags: legal,victims,parole Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] 2015 law created pardon notification process A state law adopted in 2015 created a notification process informing registered victims and prosecutors, in specific cases, when an offender is seeking a pardon. This allows victims and prosecutors the opportunity to send the Board information about the case. The Parole Board exceeds the statutory requirements and sends these notifications regarding all applications received. Date: 2015-01-01 Tags: legal,victims,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] 2017 legislation requiring 90-day notification for serious violent felonies As a result of legislation enacted in 2017, the Parole Board notifies the district attorney if an offender convicted of a serious violent felony is being considered for parole release. The notification is made at a minimum of 90-days prior to the final decision to parole. Those serious violent felonies are murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy, and aggravated sexual battery. Date: 2017-01-01 Tags: legal,parole,victims Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole Board warrants authorized by state law State law authorizes the Parole Board Members to issue warrants for the arrest of alleged parole violators. Upon notification that an offender has violated the conditions of release, the district operations manager reviews the violations and the case history to determine if a Board Warrant should be issued to immediately place the offender into custody. Tags: legal,parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Automatic revocation under O.C.G.A. § 42-9-51 A revocation can occur during a parole revocation hearing, when the offender signs a waiver removing the need for a revocation hearing, or automatic revocation if the conditions exist according to O.C.G.A. § 42-9-51. Tags: legal,parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Pardon does not expunge criminal record A pardon does not expunge, remove, or erase crimes from a person's criminal record. A pardon is an order of official forgiveness and may be granted to individuals who have maintained a good reputation in their community and have remained crime free for a required period of years following the completion of their sentence(s), to include parole or probation. Tags: legal,policy,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Documents protected from public disclosure Documents protected by Georgia law from public disclosure include but are not limited to: victim correspondence, the offender's medical information, GCIC/NCIC reports, the hearing examiner's executive summary of the offender's case, the Board ballot, the offender's residence plan verification, correspondence to the Board including from those opposing parole for the offender, parole investigations, pardon application, and petition for commutation of a death sentence. Tags: legal,parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Public documents in parole file Many documents in the parole file on the offender are public. They may include (if applicable to the offender) but are not limited to: sentencing documents, notifications to the offender regarding the Board's decision, notice of consideration for parole prior to serving one-third of the sentence (only if applicable), notice of the final decision to parole, correspondence sent by the Board, parole certificate, notice of the preliminary revocation hearing, the preliminary hearing summary, the waiver of the preliminary revocation hearing, notice of the final revocation hearing and the waiver of the final revocation hearing, revocation orders, the public portion of the revocation hearing recording, court production orders, detainers, subpoenas, Board arrest warrants, the certificate of discharge from parole, the pardon order, restoration of political and civil rights order, commutation order, and Board orders in death penalty cases. Tags: legal,parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 POLICYS (22) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Parole Decision Guidelines updated July 1, 2023 The guidelines were most recently updated by the Parole Board with changes taking effect July 1, 2023. The Board changed the crime severity level for the offenses of criminal street gang activity and arson 1. The offense of criminal street gang activity was raised from a level five to level eight. Arson 1 was changed from a level five to a level six. The Board also amended the weights of the risk factors for male and female offenders and added a factor regarding females. Date: 2023-07-01 Tags: policy,parole,gangs,legal Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Pardon application process fully automated in FY24 Requirements to download, print, complete and then mail Georgia's pardon application are no longer necessary as the Georgia Parole Board's new electronic filing system became active in FY 2024. Applicants now complete an electronic application and E-file. The Board's Clemency Division implemented the new system starting in January 2024. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: policy,operations,legal Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Life sentence reconsideration policy If parole is denied to an inmate serving life, the Board, by policy, will reconsider the case again at least once every eight years. The duration between considerations is a decision made by the Board. Tags: policy,parole,legal Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Sex offender pardon application requirements Applicants seeking a pardon for offenses requiring registration on Georgia's Sex Offender Registry must be crime free for ten years following the completion of all sentences, as opposed to five years for all other conviction types. As a part of the application process, these applicants must also provide a current copy of their most recent risk level evaluation as assigned by the Sexual Offender Registration Review Board (SORRB), provide a psychosexual evaluation, and submit to a disclosure polygraph. Tags: policy,legal,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole Decision Guidelines not applied to life sentences Although the guidelines are not applied to life sentence reviews, the Board maintains a comprehensive parole file in each case and the members review each case thoroughly before voting to grant or deny parole. Tags: policy,parole,legal Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Board Members conduct monthly operational meetings The Board conducts monthly Parole Board Meetings at which policy changes are considered and operational updates are provided. Offender cases are not discussed, and parole decisions are not made at the monthly Board Meetings. Tags: policy,operations,parole Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Tentative Parole Month can be rescinded The Tentative Parole Month or 'tentative grant' can be rescinded at any time. The TPM is not a release date or a final parole release decision. A release date that is set can be rescinded at any time prior to the release. Tags: policy,parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole can be delayed or denied for programming non-completion Parole could be delayed or denied because of the offender not completing required programming, prison misconduct, or because of detainers, warrants or new sentences. Tags: policy,parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole Board partners with CDX Board for GCIC disposition process In FY 2024, the agency partnered with the Criminal Data Exchange (CDX) Board, Georgia Crime Information Center, Governor's Office, and State Legislature to centralize the GCIC disposition process. Tags: policy,operations,legal Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Board revalidated Guidelines Rating System and Sex Offender Risk Assessment Tool In FY 2024, in an effort to better serve public safety, the Board revalidated its Guidelines Rating System and Sex Offender Risk Assessment Tool and expanded the electronic notifications and solicitation processes. Tags: policy,parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Victim Impact Sessions introduced in FY2022 During Fiscal Year 2022, Victim Impact Sessions (VIS) were introduced. These sessions provide an opportunity for victims whose offender is within twelve to eighteen months of parole consideration to discuss their case in a small group setting with a Georgia Parole Board Member, a GOVS staff member, and a senior hearing examiner. Tags: victims,policy,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Victim Offender Dialogue program requirements The Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD) program offers a structured, safe environment for victims of violent crimes to engage in a one-on-one meeting with their offenders. Initiated solely by the victim, this program requires the offender's voluntary participation and their acknowledgment of their role in the crime. The offender must also understand that participation does not influence any considerations by the Board. The process demands thorough preparation, spanning several months, facilitated by trained professionals. Tags: victims,policy,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Victim Support Partners program The Victim Support Partners (VSPs) program is a comprehensive network throughout the entire state, made up of crime victims registered with the Georgia Office of Victim Services. Within this network, dedicated victim volunteers spend time offering aid, counsel, and solace to other crime victims during the post-conviction phase. Tags: victims,policy,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] GOVS represents three state agencies The Georgia Office of Victim Services (GOVS) represents three state agencies: the Georgia Department of Corrections, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the Georgia Department of Community Supervision. GOVS provides essential services to victims whose offenders are in prison or under community supervision. Tags: victims,policy,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] GA-V.I.P. automated victim information system The Georgia Victim Information Program, GA-V.I.P., is a 24-hour automated information system. It provides registered crime victims and their family members with access to information about their offender. Victims can register with GA-V.I.P. by completing a victim impact statement or crime victim notification request form. Upon registration, victims are issued a Personal Identification Number (PIN). By accessing the system (1-800-593-9474), victims can learn the status of the offender. Tags: victims,policy,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] New Direction Recovery Program as alternative to revocation The New Direction Recovery Program located at the Treutlen Probation Detention Center is an intensive addiction program for parolees who are both higher risk and higher need offenders who were not successful in community-based treatment and supervision. The Parole Board utilizes the program as an alternative to revocation for some offenders. Tags: policy,parole,mental_health,reentry Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Intermediate sanctions for parole violations The purpose of intermediate sanctions is to bring the offenders who are not a threat to public safety back into compliance with their parole conditions. Intermediate sanctions include treatment referral, administrative hearings, electronic monitoring, GPS monitoring, day reporting centers and parole detention centers. Tags: policy,parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole revocation hearings conducted via video conferencing Parole revocation hearings are conducted from the Board's central office in Atlanta via video conferencing or in person at the Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison in Jackson. For video conference hearings, the offender, the officer of record and the Board Member may be in various locations. Use of this technology has reduced travel costs for all three agencies involved in the process, the Parole Board, the Department of Corrections, and the Department of Community Supervision. Tags: policy,parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] District operations managers assigned to ten judicial districts The district operations managers are assigned to the ten (10) Judicial Districts in the state of Georgia and are an integral link between the Board and the Department of Community Supervision (DCS), as it relates to parole violators and commutations. District operations managers are P.O.S.T. certified officers and P.O.S.T. certified general and or firearm instructors. They are required to complete twenty (20) hours of P.O.S.T. training each year. Tags: policy,operations,staffing Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] ICAOS membership and responsibilities The State Board of Pardons and Paroles, in FY24, was a member of the Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS). ICAOS is responsible for creating and upholding the rules of the Commission. ICAOS comprises all fifty (50) states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands. Tags: policy,transfers,parole Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Sworn staff training requirements Sworn staff must complete a minimum of 20 hours annually which includes mandatory firearms requalification, use of deadly force and Deescalation and Community Policing training. Non-sworn staff must complete a minimum of eight hours of training annually. Both sworn and non-sworn staff must complete Unlawful Harassment and Professionalism and Ethics training each year. Tags: policy,staffing,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Critical Analysis Unit on call 24/7 CAU personnel are on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week, assisting the Clemency Division with operations and responses to critical incidents and major investigations involving parole eligible offenders housed by the Georgia Department of Corrections. This unit collaborates with the Georgia Department of Corrections regarding Security Threat Groups (STG), gang offenders, offenders with Immigration and Customs detainers and those offenders who are classified with medical requirements. Tags: policy,operations,gangs,medical Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 CASE DETAILS (7) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Joyette Holmes appointed to Parole Board Governor Brian Kemp appointed Joyette Holmes to serve a seven-year term. Holmes was appointed in January of 2024. Holmes began her career as a Defense Attorney in the District Courts of Baltimore County, Maryland. She has served as the Chief Magistrate Judge for Cobb County, as an Assistant District Attorney, and as an Assistant Solicitor General. In 2019, Governor Kemp appointed Mrs. Holmes as Cobb County District Attorney. She is the first African American and woman to serve as both Chief Magistrate Judge and District Attorney in Cobb County. Georgia's Attorney General selected Holmes to serve as the special prosecutor for the Ahmaud Arbery case. Date: 2024-01-01 Tags: operations,policy,legal Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Wayne Bennett appointed to Parole Board In March, Wayne Bennett was appointed to the Board by Governor Kemp. Bennett is the former sheriff of Glynn County, where he served for twenty years. Mr. Bennett served as sheriff of Glynn County from 1992 to 2012. Mr. Bennett is the first former Georgia sheriff to be appointed to the Parole Board. Date: 2024-03-01 Tags: operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] David Herring elected Chair for FY2025 At the June 2024 operational meeting, the five-member Georgia Parole Board selected David J. Herring to serve as chairman for Fiscal Year 2025. Herring will serve the one-year term through June 30, 2025. Prior to his appointment to the Board in 2018, Herring served as a state trooper, and as a Lt. Colonel with the Georgia Department of Public Safety. Meg Heap is Vice Chair for FY 2025. Date: 2024-06-01 Tags: operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] 80th anniversary celebration of Parole Board The State Board of Pardons and Paroles celebrated 80 years as former Board Members and employees joined current staff at the State Capitol where the first parole board meetings were held. 'Enhancing Public Safety through Informed Clemency Decisions, 1943-2023,' was the theme at the operational Parole Board meeting held December 6, 2023. Date: 2023-12-06 Tags: operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Terry Barnard served as chair from 2014-2024 Terry E. Barnard is the Board's second longest serving chair in its 80-year history. He served the Board as chairman from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2017, and then from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2024. Mr. Barnard has been appointed to two full terms of seven years each, joining the Board in 2010 to complete an unexpired term. Tags: operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Christopher Barnett appointed Executive Director in 2015 Executive Director Christopher Barnett was appointed to the position in August of 2015 after serving as Interim Director and guiding the Board through a significant reorganization as parole supervision transitioned to the new Department of Community Supervision. Director Barnett joined the Georgia Parole Board in 2003 as a parole officer in the Marietta Parole District. Date: 2015-08-01 Tags: operations,staffing Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Rita Rocker appointed Deputy Executive Director in 2015 Rita Rocker was appointed Deputy Executive Director on June 1, 2015. She served as the Director of the Georgia Office of Victim Services from September of 2020 until June 30, 2024. Ms. Rocker began her career in 1989 as an accounting clerk with the Engineering Unit of the Georgia Department of Corrections. Date: 2015-06-01 Tags: operations,staffing Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 TRENDS (8) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Parole completion rate trend above national average For the past fiscal year, this agency again placed among the nation's highest rate of successful parole completions, exceeding a 70% mark again. Meanwhile, the national average for FY 2024 was an estimated 60%. Tags: parole,reentry,trend Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Declining parole releases trend FY19-FY24 Parole releases decreased during FY24. The FY19-FY24 parole release figures show: FY19: 10,429; FY20: 9,455; FY21: 8,634; FY22: 6,245; FY23: 5,863; FY24: 5,443. Tags: parole,trend,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Declining parole revocations trend FY19-FY24 Parole revocations FY19-FY24: FY19: 2,720; FY20: 2,199; FY21: 2,373; FY22: 1,825; FY23: 1,552; FY24: 1,437. Tags: parole,trend,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] PIC awards trend FY19-FY24 PICs Awarded FY19-FY24: FY19: 37,012; FY20: 39,374; FY21: 36,257; FY22: 30,313; FY23: 26,855; FY24: 29,962. Tags: parole,trend,reentry Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Increasing time served for life sentences trend In 1973, life-sentenced inmates convicted of serious violent felonies served less than nine years in prison, on average, before being released from prison. By the year 2000, the average had increased to more than 15 years. By 2010, the average time served on a life sentence prior to a release was nearly 20 years and in FY 2024, the average time served was 29.2 years. Tags: parole,legal,trend Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [estimated] Cost avoidance trend FY19-FY24 Cost avoidance by fiscal year: FY24: $343 million; FY23: $319 million; FY22: $376 million; FY21: $404 million; FY20: $399 million. Tags: budget,parole,trend Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Cost per day trend FY19-FY24 Cost per day for incarceration vs. parole: FY19: $61.73 vs $2.18; FY20: $61.73 vs $2.19; FY21: $62.23 vs $1.80; FY22: $62.23 vs $2.22; FY23: $59.14 vs $2.67; FY24: $68.51 vs $2.89. Tags: budget,parole,trend Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [reported] Workforce revitalization trend An agency trend is a revitalized workforce rebalancing itself with younger cohorts. In FY 2024, the agency offered great internship opportunities including a paid internship program. Tags: staffing,operations,trend Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 FINDINGS (5) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Parole hearings are not held in Georgia Parole hearings are not held. However, each offender entering the Georgia prison system is interviewed by parole staff. Tags: parole,operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Law enforcement engagement with GACP districts In FY 2024, the agency increased contacts with local police through the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP) by presenting information about parole to six different GACP Districts. Law enforcement engagement included presentations to Districts 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police. Tags: operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Engagement with Georgia Gang Investigators Association and ICE In FY 2024, the agency engaged the Georgia Gang Investigators Association, and the Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agency. Tags: operations,gangs,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] National conference presentations by Parole Board staff At the Association of Paroling Authorities International Conference staff conducted a workshop for attendees titled, 'Enhancing Clemency Decision Making Through Effective Community Partnerships.' At the American Correctional Association's (ACA) Winter Conference in Maryland, agency staff participated in a presentation with the Georgia Department of Corrections' Office of Health Services (OHS) describing compassionate releases. The Georgia Parole Board's Clemency Division presented at the 48th American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) Annual Training Institute in New York City. Tags: operations,policy,parole Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] National Crime Victims' Rights Week participation The Georgia Office of Victim Services (GOVS) had another successful National Crime Victims' Rights Week in April 2024. The office participated in twelve different events around the state, including organizing and hosting a panel discussion titled, 'From Surviving to Thriving: How to Find Help After a Crime,' at Clayton State University. In total, staff contacted nearly one thousand (1,000) individuals to help spread awareness about victims' rights. Date: 2024-04-01 Tags: victims,operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 QUOTES (8) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Quote from David Herring on serving as chairman Thank you for this opportunity. I do not take this opportunity lightly. I appreciate the position that I am being given. I can promise you this, like I have always done, I will serve this board with hard work and integrity whether I am the chairman or not. Tags: operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Quote from Joyette Holmes on appointment I am grateful as well to the Governor for the appointment, grateful for him believing me to be a good addition to this board and to this team that does so much work across the state. Tags: operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Quote from Wayne Bennett on appointment I am honored to serve at the request of Governor Kemp. These first few days have been a tremendous learning experience, and I've realized that the employees of this agency are truly dedicated to their roles and to doing their part for public safety. Tags: operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Quote from Chris Barnett on stakeholders Everyone is a stakeholder in the parole process. Tags: operations,parole Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Quote from David Herring on victims 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. Tags: victims,parole Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Quote from Meg Heap on victims 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. Tags: victims,parole Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Quote from David Herring on parole decision-making process The clemency and parole decision-making process in Georgia is unique and proven, and our staff delivered an excellent presentation. It's because of our parole staff that as board members we can make informed scientific decisions in the interest of public safety. Tags: parole,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Quote from Chris Barnett on predecessors The work of our predecessors set the foundation for our operations today. From implementing guidelines to transitioning to electronic processes, past board members, leadership and agency staff have served ethically and with integrity to serve Georgians and enhance public safety. Tags: operations,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 METHODOLOGY NOTES (6) ---------------------------------------- - [confirmed] Parole completion rate data from Bureau of Justice Statistics The parole completion rates chart in the report cites national figures from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. The chart shows Georgia consistently above the U.S. average from FY20 through FY24, with the U.S. average estimated for FY24. Tags: parole,methodology,trend Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024; Bureau of Justice Statistics - [confirmed] Cost avoidance calculation methodology The fiscal year cost avoidance is calculated based on the FY24 cost per day to incarcerate a state inmate in Georgia ($68.51) compared to the community supervision cost per day ($2.89). The cost per day figures are from the Georgia Department of Corrections. Tags: budget,methodology,parole Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole Decision Guidelines Rating System methodology The guidelines account for the severity of the crime and the offender's risk to reoffend. The offender's risk to reoffend is determined by weighted factors concerning the offender's criminal and social history that the Board has found to have value in predicting the probability of further criminal behavior. The higher the crime severity level, the more serious the offense, and the more likely it will be recommended that the offender serve a longer period prior to parole. Tags: parole,methodology,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] GPEDS electronic case management system The process of preparing a case for consideration by the Board is completed electronically in GPEDS (Georgia Parole Evidence-based Data System). GPEDS is effective and efficient allowing Board Members to access the offender's case material and make clemency decisions electronically. The Parole Board has eliminated the production of paper files and continues imaging remaining paper files. The agency has completed the process of submitting life-sentenced inmate cases to the Board electronically. Tags: operations,methodology,policy Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole case file contents The parole file that the Board Members can consider includes: aggravating circumstances, victim impact statements, prosecutor/judicial statements, legal investigations, the parole guidelines recommendation, inmate progress reports, inmate interviews, program completions/failures, prison conduct, inmate disciplinary reports, amount of the prison sentence served, inmate's mental health status and progress, if probation is to be served after confinement, offender's age at the crime commit date, prior parole considerations, number of prior arrests, number of prior felonies, prior revocations, prior incarcerations, personal history statement, and parole release plan. Tags: parole,methodology,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 - [confirmed] Parole consideration process steps The parole consideration process includes: conviction sentence computed by DOC Offender Administration; case initialized with Parole Eligibility Date (PED) set and legal investigations ordered; DA input solicited at time the legal is written for all offenses; secondary solicitation notifications sent to DAs and judges for the most serious violent and sexual offenders 6 months before PED; parole eligibility date; hearing examiner prepares case for Board consideration; Board consideration; tentative parole month established; inmate notified first per Board rules; 90-day notification to DA if a 'Serious Violent Felony'; victims notified by Office of Victim Services; final review of institutional conduct, program completion, new victim, DA, judge or stakeholder input; victims & DA case reviews verifying notification; 72-hour notification pending release (OCGA 42.9.41 & OCGA 42.9.44(a)); release. Tags: parole,methodology,operations Sources: State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024 DATASETS (17) ---------------------------------------- # Parole Releases FY19-FY24 Number of offenders released from prison on parole by fiscal year, showing a declining trend from 10,429 in FY19 to 5,443 in FY24. Fiscal Year Parole Releases ------------------------------ FY19 10429 FY20 9455 FY21 8634 FY22 6245 FY23 5863 FY24 5443 # Parole Revocations FY19-FY24 Number of parole revocations by fiscal year, showing a general declining trend from 2,720 in FY19 to 1,437 in FY24. Fiscal Year Parole Revocations --------------------------------- FY19 2720 FY20 2199 FY21 2373 FY22 1825 FY23 1552 FY24 1437 # PICs Awarded FY19-FY24 Performance Incentive Credit (PIC) points granted to state inmates by fiscal year. Fiscal Year PICs Awarded --------------------------- FY19 37012 FY20 39374 FY21 36257 FY22 30313 FY23 26855 FY24 29962 # Cost Per Day: Incarceration vs. Parole FY19-FY24 Cost per day comparison between incarceration and parole supervision for the state of Georgia by fiscal year. Fiscal Year Incarceration Cost Per Day Parole Cost Per Day -------------------------------------------------------------- FY19 61.73 2.18 FY20 61.73 2.19 FY21 62.23 1.8 FY22 62.23 2.22 FY23 59.14 2.67 FY24 68.51 2.89 # Cost Avoidance by Fiscal Year Annual cost avoidance to the state from offenders serving sentences on parole rather than in prison. Fiscal Year Cost Avoidance ----------------------------- FY20 399000000 FY21 404000000 FY22 376000000 FY23 319000000 FY24 343000000 # Average Time Served for Life-Sentenced Serious Violent Felons Average years served in prison before release for life-sentenced inmates convicted of serious violent felonies, showing an increasing trend over time. Year Average Time Served --------------------------- 1973 9 2000 15 2010 20 2024 29.2 # FY24 Clemency Actions Summary of all clemency actions taken by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles during Fiscal Year 2024. Action Type Count ---------------------------------------------------------- Parole Certificates 3890 Out-of-State Parole Orders 197 Conditional Transfers 751 Out-of-State Conditional Transfers 120 Supervised Reprieves 461 Out-of-State Supervised Reprieves 0 Commutations 0 Medical Reprieves 10 Out-of-State ICE Orders 14 Total Prison Releases by Parole 5443 Total Discharges from Parole 4930 Total Guidelines Decisions 12257 Life Sentence Cases Denied 1953 Life Sentence Cases Granted/released 93 Total Life Sentence Case Decisions 2046 Restoration of Civil and Political Rights Granted 100 Pardon Grants 346 Total Pardons & Restorations Granted 446 # FY24 Pardons Granted Breakdown Breakdown of pardon and restoration of rights applications received and granted in FY24. Category Count ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applications received (all types – pardons and RR) 845 Pardons granted without firearms being restored 169 Pardons granted with firearms being restored 177 Restorations of civil and political rights 90 Restorations of civil and political rights with firearms restored 10 Total applications granted (including applications filed in previous year) 446 # FY24 Budget & Expenditures by Program Budget and expenditures by program for the State Board of Pardons and Paroles in FY2024. Program FY 2024 Budget FY 2024 Expenditures % of Total Budget ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Board Administration 2429519 2411494.54 11.8853 Clemency Decisions 17266713 17101467.06 84.4692 Victim Services 745204 727608.25 3.6455 Total Funds 20441436 20240569.85 100 # FY24 Expenditures by Object Class Expenditures by object class for the State Board of Pardons and Paroles in FY2024. Object Class Expenditures Percentage ------------------------------------------------------ Personal Services 17602670.3 86.96 Regular Operating Expenses 858779.39 4.24 Motor Vehicles 267454.85 1.32 Computer Charges 213924.23 1.06 Real Estate Rentals 436838.08 2.16 Telecommunications 163342.51 0.81 Contracts 626947.78 3.1 County Jail Subsidy 66465 0.33 Equipment 4147.71 0.02 FY24 Expenditures 20240569.85 100 # FY24 Expenditures by Fund Type Expenditures by fund type for the State Board of Pardons and Paroles in FY2024. Fund Type FY 2024 Expenditures ------------------------------------- State Funds 20050228.34 Federal Funds 78069.11 Other Funds 112272.4 Total Funds 20240569.85 # Employee Demographics by Race (June 30, 2024) Distribution of Parole Board employees by race as of June 30, 2024. Race Count ----------------- Asian 2 Black 101 White 74 Hispanic 1 Other 1 # Employee Demographics by Tenure (June 30, 2024) Distribution of Parole Board employees by tenure as of June 30, 2024. Tenure Range Count --------------------- 00-10 Years 74 11-20 Years 46 21-30 Years 41 31-40 Years 17 41+ Years 1 # Employee Demographics by Age Group (June 30, 2024) Distribution of Parole Board employees by age group as of June 30, 2024. Age Group Count ------------------ 21-30 16 31-40 36 41-50 49 51-60 55 61-70 23 # Employee Demographics by Gender (June 30, 2024) Distribution of Parole Board employees by gender as of June 30, 2024. Gender Count --------------- Female 148 Male 31 # Training Hours Taken by Staff FY24 Training hours completed by sworn and non-sworn staff in FY24, and hours delivered by the Parole Training Office. Category Hours ----------------------------------------------------------- Sworn staff 3245 Non-sworn staff 711 Training hours delivered by Parole Training Office 1262 # Parole Completion Rates FY20-FY24 (Georgia vs. U.S.) Comparison of Georgia parole completion rates versus U.S. national average from FY20 to FY24. National figures from Bureau of Justice Statistics; FY24 national figure is estimated. Fiscal Year Georgia U.S.A. ------------------------------ FY20 70 60 FY21 70 60 FY22 70 60 FY23 70 60 FY24 72 60 KEY ENTITIES (25) ---------------------------------------- - Ahmaud Arbery Case [case]: High-profile criminal case for which Joyette Holmes served as special prosecutor, selected by Georgia's Attorney General. - American Correctional Association [organization]: One of three national bodies offering voluntary accreditation to correctional facilities (aka: ACA) - American Probation and Parole Association [organization]: Professional association for probation and parole. The Parole Board's Clemency Division presented at the 48th APPA Annual Training Institute in New York City. (aka: APPA) - Association of Paroling Authorities International [organization]: International association of paroling authorities. Parole Board staff conducted a workshop at their conference in FY2024. - Brian Kemp [person]: Governor of Georgia who proposed $600 million in emergency spending over 18 months for prison reform in January 2025. (aka: Governor Kemp) - Bureau of Justice Statistics [organization]: Federal statistical agency within DOJ that collected and published mortality in correctional institutions data from approximately 2000 until 2019. (aka: BJS) - Christopher Barnett [person]: Executive Director of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, appointed August 2015. Joined the Georgia Parole Board in 2003 as a parole officer in the Marietta Parole District. (aka: Chris Barnett, Christopher L. Barnett, Executive Director Barnett) - David J. Herring [person]: Chairman of the Georgia Parole Board for FY2025. Appointed to the Board August 1, 2018, by Governor Deal. Former Lt. Colonel with Georgia Department of Public Safety. - Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police [organization]: Organization of Georgia police chiefs surveyed by FOX 5 Atlanta in 2024 regarding field drug test practices - Georgia Crime Information Center [organization]: State criminal justice information system connected to the national CJIS database, used for warrant entry and wanted person identification. (aka: GCIC) - Georgia Department of Community Supervision [organization]: Georgia agency that supervises people on probation and parole, maintains the THOR housing directory (aka: DCS) - Georgia Department of Corrections [organization]: State agency responsible for operating Georgia's prison system. Subject of federal DOJ investigation in 2022-2023 for constitutional violations including food-related deaths. (aka: GDC) - Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison [facility]: Georgia state prison from which David 'Toro' Zavala operated drug trafficking while serving time for armed robbery. - Georgia Gang Investigators Association [organization]: Association engaged by the Parole Board in FY2024 as part of stakeholder outreach. - Georgia Office of Victim Services [organization]: Division of the Parole Board providing post-conviction services to crime victims. Represents the Parole Board, GDC, and DCS. (aka: GOVS) - Immigration and Customs Enforcement [organization]: Federal agency receiving foreign national offenders for deportation through the ICE Rapid REPAT program. (aka: ICE) - Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision [organization]: Commission responsible for creating and upholding rules governing interstate transfer of adult offender supervision. Comprises all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands. (aka: ICAOS) - Joyette Holmes [person]: Board Member appointed by Governor Kemp in January 2024. Former Cobb County District Attorney, former Chief Magistrate Judge for Cobb County. First African American and woman to serve as both Chief Magistrate Judge and DA in Cobb County. Special prosecutor in Ahmaud Arbery case. - Meg Heap [person]: Vice Chair of the Georgia Parole Board for FY2025. Appointed January 2021 by Governor Kemp. Former District Attorney for Georgia's Eastern Judicial Circuit (Chatham County). - New Direction Recovery Program [program]: Intensive addiction program for higher risk/higher need parolees at Treutlen Probation Detention Center, used as alternative to parole revocation. - Rita Rocker [person]: Deputy Executive Director appointed June 1, 2015. Also served as Director of Georgia Office of Victim Services from September 2020 to June 2024. - Senate Bill 174 [legislation]: Legislation passed in 2017 that included a provision requiring the Board to consider commuting the sentences of specific offenders serving a split sentence who have successfully completed twelve consecutive months of parole supervision (O.C.G.A. § 42-8-21). (aka: SB174, SB 174) - State Board of Pardons and Paroles [organization]: Georgia state entity that serves as a reporting entity for sexual abuse allegations in prisons - Terry E. Barnard [person]: Board Member and second longest serving chair in the Board's 80-year history. Served as chairman from July 2014 to June 2017 and July 2018 to June 2024. Former State Representative for nearly 16 years. - Wayne Bennett [person]: Board Member appointed by Governor Kemp in March 2024. First former Georgia sheriff on the Parole Board. Former Glynn County Sheriff (1992-2012). FBI National Academy graduate. (aka: Wayne V. Bennett) SOURCES (2) ---------------------------------------- - Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics by Bureau of Justice Statistics (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://bjs.ojp.gov - State Board of Pardons and Paroles Annual Report FY 2024, State Board of Pardons and Paroles by State Board of Pardons and Paroles (2024-01-01) [official_report, primary] URL: https://pap.georgia.gov