Parole
BOPP Annual Report FY2016 — Georgia Parole Board
The Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles FY2016 Annual Report documents a year of major organizational transition following the transfer of parole supervision to the new Department of Community Supervision, reducing the agency from nearly 700 employees to fewer than 200. The Board made 64,695 clemency decisions and released 13,374 offenders from prison, achieving a 72% parole completion rate compared to a national average of approximately 62%. The report highlights a cost avoidance of more than $450 million from offenders on parole rather than incarcerated, and emphasizes strengthened partnerships with criminal justice stakeholders and victims through new notification processes and Victims Visitors' Days.
Key Findings
The most impactful data from this research collection.
72%
FY16 Parole Successful Completion Rate
Statistic$450.3M
FY16 Annual Cost Avoidance from Parole
StatisticBoard Votes with Guidelines 82% of Time
FindingParole Completion Rate Among Top Nationally
FindingAll Data Points
203 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
FY16 Board clemency decisions total Statistic
In Fiscal Year 2016, the Board Members made 64,695 clemency decisions. This total includes all Board decisions which require a vote and multiple decisions in each offender's case considered during the fiscal year.
64,695 decisions
FY16 offenders released from prison Statistic
In FY16, the Parole Board released 13,374 offenders from prison through all forms of clemency to include releasing inmates on parole. This total was down 146 from the previous fiscal year.
13,374 offenders vs. FY15 releases
FY16 parole successful completion rate Statistic
Georgia's percentage of parolees successfully completing parole in FY16 was 72%. The national average was approximately 62%.
72% vs. National average
FY16 annual cost avoidance from parole Statistic
In FY16, the annual cost avoidance to the prison system as a result of offenders on parole is calculated at $450,289,141.
$450.3M
FY16 parole population decrease Statistic
During Fiscal Year 2016, the population of offenders on parole and under community supervision decreased from 23,859 on July 1, 2015, to 22,901 under community supervision in Georgia on June 30, 2016.
22,901 offenders vs. July 1, 2015 population
FY16 cumulative parole supervision total Statistic
The cumulative number of offenders under parole supervision in Georgia during the fiscal year was 36,648.
36,648 offenders
FY16 parole warrants issued Statistic
In FY16, a total of 8,763 warrants were issued by the Parole Board for the arrest of alleged parole violators.
8,763 warrants
FY16 parole violators returned to prison Statistic
During FY16, the Board returned (revoked) 2,505 parole violators to prison to serve their sentences in confinement. That number is down slightly from 2,655 for the previous fiscal year.
2,505 offenders vs. FY15 revocations
FY16 technical violation revocation percentage Statistic
Of the FY16 revocations, fewer than 8% were revoked due to technical violations which include drug use, curfew violations, or failure to pay fines and fees.
8%
FY16 final revocation hearings conducted Statistic
Parole Board Members conducted 244 final revocation hearings during FY16.
244 hearings
FY16 preliminary revocation hearings Statistic
In FY16, there were 76 preliminary revocation hearings conducted.
76 hearings
FY16 offender files initiated by Clemency Division Statistic
In FY16, there were 15,853 offender files initiated for consideration by the Clemency Division.
15,853 files
FY16 CONS notifications made Statistic
In FY16, 31,294 notifications (all types) were made through CONS (Clemency Online Navigation System).
31,294 notifications
FY16 preconditions to parole imposed Statistic
There were 11,647 preconditions to parole imposed on inmates by the Board during the fiscal year.
11,647 preconditions
FY16 clemency investigations completed Statistic
In FY16, the clemency investigators completed 33,789 investigations for the Parole Board.
33,789 investigations
FY16 files imaged by scanning unit Statistic
The Clemency Division's scanning and imaging unit imaged 14,884 files in FY 2016.
14,884 files
FY16 parole certificates issued Statistic
In FY16, 7,233 parole certificates were issued.
7,233 certificates
FY16 out-of-state parole orders Statistic
In FY16, 426 out-of-state parole orders were issued.
426 orders
FY16 conditional transfers Statistic
In FY16, 904 conditional transfers were processed.
904 transfers
FY16 out-of-state conditional transfers Statistic
In FY16, 183 out-of-state conditional transfers were processed.
183 transfers
FY16 supervised reprieves Statistic
In FY16, 1,517 supervised reprieves were granted.
1,517 reprieves
FY16 out-of-state supervised reprieves Statistic
In FY16, 21 out-of-state supervised reprieves were granted.
21 reprieves
FY16 commutations Statistic
In FY16, 2,850 commutations were granted.
2,850 commutations
FY16 medical reprieves Statistic
In FY16, 25 medical reprieves were granted.
25 reprieves
FY16 out-of-state ICE orders Statistic
In FY16, 215 out-of-state ICE orders were processed.
215 orders
FY16 discharges from parole Statistic
In FY16, 9,159 offenders were discharged from parole.
9,159 offenders
FY16 initial decisions under guidelines Statistic
In FY16, 6,888 initial decisions were made under the Parole Decision Guidelines.
6,888 decisions
FY16 other guidelines decisions Statistic
In FY16, 1,551 other guidelines decisions were made.
1,551 decisions
FY16 total guidelines decisions Statistic
In FY16, 8,439 total guidelines decisions were made.
8,439 decisions
FY16 life-sentenced cases denied parole Statistic
In FY16, 1,504 life-sentenced cases were denied parole.
1,504 cases
FY16 life-sentenced cases granted parole Statistic
In FY16, 163 life-sentenced cases were granted parole.
163 cases
FY16 total life-sentenced case decisions Statistic
In FY16, 1,667 total life-sentenced case decisions were made.
1,667 decisions
FY16 restoration of rights granted Statistic
In FY16, 100 restorations of rights were granted.
100 restorations
FY16 pardon grants Statistic
In FY16, 587 pardons were granted.
587 pardons
FY16 total pardons and restorations granted Statistic
In FY16, 687 total pardons and restorations were granted.
687 grants
FY16 pardon applications received Statistic
In FY16, 1,479 pardon and restoration of rights applications were received.
1,479 applications
FY16 pardons granted without firearms restored Statistic
In FY16, 241 pardons were granted without firearms being restored.
241 pardons
FY16 pardons granted with firearms restored Statistic
In FY16, 346 pardons were granted with firearms being restored.
346 pardons
FY16 restorations of civil and political rights Statistic
In FY16, 71 restorations of civil and political rights were granted.
71 restorations
FY16 restorations with firearms restored Statistic
In FY16, 29 restorations of civil and political rights with firearms restored were granted.
29 restorations
FY16 pardon notification increase Statistic
There was an increase of 206 over the number of applications approved by the Board from the previous year. During the fiscal year there were 503 fewer applications filed compared to the previous year.
206 applications
FY16 pardon notifications sent Statistic
During FY16, the Parole Board sent 1,450 notifications regarding ex-offenders applying for pardons.
1,450 notifications
FY16 No Turning Back Recovery Program admissions Statistic
In FY16, there were 207 admissions to the No Turning Back Recovery Program at the Washington Parole Detention Center.
207 admissions
FY16 No Turning Back Recovery Program graduates Statistic
One hundred forty-two (142) parolees graduated from the No Turning Back Recovery Program (including those admitted the previous year) and were returned to parole supervision.
142 graduates
FY16 No Turning Back Recovery Program discharges Statistic
In FY16, there were 63 discharges from the No Turning Back Recovery Program. Those offenders were returned to the general prison population.
63 discharges
FY16 offenders released to out-of-state supervision Statistic
In FY16, 447 offenders were released/paroled to out-of-state supervision.
447 offenders
FY16 offenders under out-of-state supervision Statistic
As of June 30, 2016, 1,908 offenders were under out-of-state supervision.
1,908 offenders
FY16 offenders under Georgia supervision from other states Statistic
As of June 30, 2016, 1,112 offenders were under Georgia supervision from other states.
1,112 offenders
FY16 offenders released to ICE for deportation Statistic
In FY16, 215 offenders were released to ICE for deportation.
215 offenders
FY16 victim phone calls handled Statistic
In FY16, 7,140 phone calls from victims were handled by staff of the Georgia Office of Victim Services.
7,140 phone calls
FY16 victim correspondences sent Statistic
In FY16, 12,270 correspondences were sent to victims in response to concerns.
12,270 correspondences
FY16 victim impact statements filed Statistic
In FY16, 4,716 victim impact statements and notifications were filed with the office.
4,716 statements
FY16 new V.I.P. registrants Statistic
For FY16, there were 1,905 new V.I.P. registrants.
1,905 registrants
FY16 V.I.P. phone calls logged Statistic
In FY16, 6,796 phone calls from victims were logged into the V.I.P. system.
6,796 phone calls
FY16 V.I.P. calls made to victims Statistic
In FY16, the V.I.P. system made 581 calls to victims of crime.
581 calls
FY16 Victim Offender Dialogue sessions Statistic
In FY16, the Georgia Office of Victim Services conducted six Victim Offender Dialogue sessions involving victims and offenders.
6 sessions
FY16 Victims Visitors' Days attendance Statistic
In FY16, the Board conducted three Victims Visitors' Days resulting in more than 400 victims and family members meeting directly with the Board Members in the communities where the victims live.
400 victims and family members
FY16 victim satisfaction rate at Visitors' Days Statistic
According to exit surveys, 97% of victims participating in the three Victims Visitors' Days in FY16 stated that all of their questions were answered to their satisfaction.
97%
Fort Valley Victims Visitors' Day attendance Statistic
More than 150 Georgia crime victims attended the Parole Board's Victims Visitors' Day held on July 30, 2015, at Fort Valley State University.
150 victims
Brunswick Victims Visitors' Day attendance Statistic
170 crime victims met with the Parole Board in Brunswick, Georgia, at the Victims Visitors' Day held on October 15, 2015, at the Glynn County Courthouse.
170 victims
Jonesboro Victims Visitors' Day attendance Statistic
The 25th Victims Visitors' Day was the largest in history with 223 victims attending on April 19, 2016, in Jonesboro, Georgia.
223 victims
Total Victims Visitors' Days conducted through FY16 Statistic
Through FY16, 25 separate Victims Visitors' Day events have been conducted over ten years, 17 different communities have hosted, and the Parole Board has met with more than 3,000 victims.
25 events
FY16 second solicitation notifications sent Statistic
For the only reporting month (June) of FY 2016, 275 second solicitations/notifications were sent to judges and prosecutors.
275 notifications
FY16 Board vote alignment with guidelines Statistic
In FY 16, the Board voted 82% of the time with the guidelines recommendation which may include denying parole.
82%
FY16 state inmates incarcerated Statistic
There were more than 54,000 state inmates incarcerated in Georgia prisons and other facilities at the close of FY16.
54,000 inmates
FY16 offenders under parole supervision Statistic
There were 24,968 offenders under parole supervision (in-state and out-of-state) at the close of FY16.
24,968 offenders
FY16 total expenditures Statistic
FY2016 total expenditures for the State Board of Pardons and Paroles were $45,782,940.
$45.8M
FY16 personal services expenditures Statistic
In FY2016, personal services expenditures were $42,181,904.
$42.2M
FY16 regular operating expenditures Statistic
In FY2016, regular operating expenditures were $1,134,224.
$1.1M
FY16 motor vehicle expenditures Statistic
In FY2016, motor vehicle expenditures were $781,282.
$781,282
FY16 equipment expenditures Statistic
In FY2016, equipment expenditures were $29,032.
$29,032
FY16 telecommunications expenditures Statistic
In FY2016, telecommunications expenditures were $192,246.
$192,246
FY16 computer charges Statistic
In FY2016, computer charges were $252,845.
$252,845
FY16 contracts expenditures Statistic
In FY2016, contracts expenditures were $652,040.
$652,040
FY16 real estate rental expenditures Statistic
In FY2016, real estate rental expenditures were $270,572.
$270,572
FY16 county jail subsidy expenditures Statistic
In FY2016, county jail subsidy expenditures were $288,795.
$288,795
FY16 federal funds Statistic
In FY2016, federal funds totaled $142,982.
$142,982
FY16 other funds Statistic
In FY2016, other funds totaled $293,321.
$293,321
FY16 GO bonds Statistic
In FY2016, GO Bonds totaled $765,000.
$765,000
FY16 state funds Statistic
In FY2016, state funds totaled $44,581,637.
$44.6M
FY16 total funds Statistic
In FY2016, total funds were $45,782,940.
$45.8M
FY16 combined restitution collections Statistic
In FY16, $13,327,120 was collected in total for parole supervision fees, victim compensation, and restitution fees via the consolidated banking unit of the Department of Corrections.
$13.3M
FY16 Executive Order transfer to DCS Statistic
An Executive Order transferred $10,058,280 to the Department of Community Supervision at the beginning of FY 2016.
$10.1M
FY17 state funds transfer to DCS Statistic
In FY 2017, $29,720,450 in state funds, mainly for payroll, was transferred to DCS.
$29.7M
Agency budget decrease since FY2016 Statistic
The agency budget has decreased by over 70% since the beginning of FY 2016.
70%
FY16 employees at beginning of fiscal year Statistic
At the beginning of Fiscal Year 2016, the agency had 589 employees: 167 non-sworn and 422 sworn.
589 employees
FY16 employees at end of fiscal year Statistic
On July 1, 2016, the agency had 186 employees: 131 non-sworn and 55 sworn.
186 employees
FY16 employee gender breakdown Statistic
As of July 1, 2016, the agency had 34 male and 152 female employees.
34 male employees vs. female employees
FY16 employee age distribution Statistic
As of July 1, 2016, employee ages: 20-29 years: 5; 30-39 years: 41; 40-49 years: 53; 50-59 years: 67; 60+ years: 20.
186 employees
FY16 employee ethnicity distribution Statistic
As of July 1, 2016, employee ethnicity: Multi-racial: 1; Asian: 2; Hispanic: 2; Black: 101; White: 80.
186 employees
FY16 staff training hours delivered Statistic
In FY2016, staff training hours delivered totaled 661.
661 hours
FY16 sworn staff training hours delivered Statistic
In FY2016, sworn staff training hours delivered totaled 2,386.
2,386 hours
FY16 non-sworn staff training hours delivered Statistic
In FY2016, non-sworn staff training hours delivered totaled 945.
945 hours
FY16 instructor training hours to other agencies Statistic
In FY2016, instructor training hours delivered to other agencies totaled 1,522.
1,522 hours
FY16 parole investigators in Clemency Division Statistic
Forty-seven parole investigators work in the Clemency Division. Thirty-nine parole investigators are assigned to the field and predominantly complete post sentence investigations and profiles for all offenders sentenced by Georgia courts. Eight paro…
47 investigators
FY16 parole officers on payroll during transition Statistic
400+ Parole Officers remained on the Parole payroll throughout FY16, although operationally transferred to DCS.
400 officers
Board established by 1943 constitutional amendment Legal fact
In 1943, the Board was established through a constitutional amendment and consisted of three members.
Board expanded to five members in 1973 Legal fact
In 1973, as the prison population rose to 9,000, the Constitution was amended to increase the Board to five members.
Board has sole authority to commute death sentences Legal fact
The State Board of Pardons and Paroles is the only entity in Georgia with the constitutional authority to commute a death sentence. The Governor does not have this authority in Georgia.
Board members appointed to seven-year staggered terms Legal fact
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.
Life sentence parole eligibility for pre-1995 seven deadly sins Legal fact
If a crime considered to be a 'seven deadly sin' was committed prior to 1995, the offender is eligible after seven years.
Life sentence parole eligibility for 1995 seven deadly sins Legal fact
In 1995, offenders committing seven deadly sin crimes became eligible after serving fourteen years.
Life sentence parole eligibility for post-July 2006 seven deadly sins Legal fact
If the crime is committed after July 1, 2006, the offender is eligible for parole after serving thirty years.
Life-sentenced inmates reconsidered at least every eight years Policy
If parole is denied to a life-sentenced inmate, the Board, by policy, will reconsider the case again at least once every eight years.
Sex offender pardon application requirements Policy
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. These applicants …
2015 legislative changes to pardon process Policy
Legislative changes in 2015 resulted in changes to the pardon process. A notification process was created informing registered victims and prosecutors, in specific cases, when an offender is seeking a pardon.
Parole supervision fee priority policy Policy
The Parole Board's policy regarding supervision fees require that each parolee pay only one type of fee. Court-ordered restitution which goes directly to the victim is the first priority. Payments to the Georgia Crime Victims Emergency Fund (GCVEF),…
Sworn staff annual training requirement Policy
Sworn staff must complete a minimum of 20 hours annually which includes mandatory firearms requalification and use of deadly force. Non-sworn staff must complete a minimum of eight hours annually.
Board votes with guidelines recommendation 82% of time Finding
In FY 16, the Board voted 82% of the time with the guidelines recommendation which may include denying parole. Board Members maintain discretion and authority to determine, in the interest of public safety, which individuals should not be paroled an…
Parole completion rate among top in nation Finding
The Board's 72% parole successful completion rate remains among the top in the nation and well above the national average.
Parole releases declined for second consecutive year Trend
This is the second consecutive year that parole releases have declined in Georgia, as prison commitments have decreased each of the last two years.
Life sentence average time served increased since 1973 Trend
In 1973, life-sentenced inmates served less than nine years in prison, on average, before being released from prison. By year 2000, the average had risen to more than 15 years. By 2010, the average time served on a life sentence was nearly 20 years …
Parole revocation numbers declined since FY12 Trend
Parole revocation numbers declined from 2,618 in FY12 to 2,505 in FY16, with intermediate years showing 2,199 (FY13), 2,380 (FY14), and 2,655 (FY15).
Prison cost per day exceeded parole cost per day Statistic
In FY16, prison incarceration cost $52.95 per day while parole supervision cost $3.54 per day.
$52.95 vs. Parole cost per day
FY12 prison cost per day Statistic
In FY12, prison incarceration cost $51.19 per day.
$51.19
FY13 prison cost per day Statistic
In FY13, prison incarceration cost $53.00 per day.
$53.00
FY14 prison cost per day Statistic
In FY14, prison incarceration cost $52.81 per day.
$52.81
FY15 prison cost per day Statistic
In FY15, prison incarceration cost $52.81 per day.
$52.81
FY12 parole cost per day Statistic
In FY12, parole supervision cost $4.94 per day.
$4.94
FY13 parole cost per day Statistic
In FY13, parole supervision cost $4.32 per day.
$4.32
FY14 parole cost per day Statistic
In FY14, parole supervision cost $4.03 per day.
$4.03
FY15 parole cost per day Statistic
In FY15, parole supervision cost $4.49 per day.
$4.49
FY12 cost avoidance Statistic
In FY12, cost avoidance due to parole was $351 million.
$351.0M
FY13 cost avoidance Statistic
In FY13, cost avoidance due to parole was $409 million.
$409.0M
FY14 cost avoidance Statistic
In FY14, cost avoidance due to parole was $469 million.
$469.0M
FY15 cost avoidance Statistic
In FY15, cost avoidance due to parole was $451 million.
$451.0M
FY12 Georgia parole completion rate Statistic
In FY12, Georgia's parole completion rate was 72%.
72%
FY13 Georgia parole completion rate Statistic
In FY13, Georgia's parole completion rate was 74%.
74%
FY14 Georgia parole completion rate Statistic
In FY14, Georgia's parole completion rate was 72%.
72%
FY15 Georgia parole completion rate Statistic
In FY15, Georgia's parole completion rate was 72%.
72%
FY12 national parole completion rate Statistic
In FY12, the national parole completion rate was 58%.
58%
FY13 national parole completion rate Statistic
In FY13, the national parole completion rate was 62%.
62%
FY14 national parole completion rate Statistic
In FY14, the national parole completion rate was 59%.
59%
FY15 national parole completion rate Statistic
In FY15, the national parole completion rate was 59%.
59%
FY16 national parole completion rate Statistic
In FY16, the national parole completion rate was 62%.
62%
FY12 prison releases Statistic
In FY12, 12,606 offenders were released from prison.
12,606 offenders
FY13 prison releases Statistic
In FY13, 15,634 offenders were released from prison.
15,634 offenders
FY14 prison releases Statistic
In FY14, 16,212 offenders were released from prison.
16,212 offenders
FY15 prison releases Statistic
In FY15, 13,520 offenders were released from prison.
13,520 offenders
FY12 parole revocations Statistic
In FY12, 2,618 parole violators were returned to prison.
2,618 offenders
FY13 parole revocations Statistic
In FY13, 2,199 parole violators were returned to prison.
2,199 offenders
FY14 parole revocations Statistic
In FY14, 2,380 parole violators were returned to prison.
2,380 offenders
FY15 parole revocations Statistic
In FY15, 2,655 parole violators were returned to prison.
2,655 offenders
Chairman Barnard quote on Victims Visitors' Days Quote
"The Board believes that by meeting with crime victims in their communities, victims are empowered and it allows them to chart a pathway toward becoming a survivor. That is the purpose behind a Victims Visitors' Day." – Parole Board Chairman Terry B…
Parole Board is only entity with death sentence commutation authority Legal fact
The State Board of Pardons and Paroles is the only entity in Georgia with the constitutional authority to commute a death sentence. The Governor does not have this authority in Georgia. Additionally, the Board is also the sole authority in the state…
Victim notification statutory requirement Legal fact
Registered victims of a crime are given notification at the time the Board is considering a parole release, allowing for a period of time for the victim to send the Board information about the case. (O.C.G.A. § section 17-17-13)
72-hour statutory notification requirement Legal fact
Judges, district attorneys, sheriffs (of the county of residence prior to arrest) and registered victims also receive a 72-hour statutory notification that the offender is about to be paroled. (O.C.G.A. § section 42-9-47)
Parole eligibility statutory references Legal fact
Parole eligibility is governed by O.C.G.A. 42.9.45 (b) and 42.9.46 (1/3).
Pending release notification statutory references Legal fact
Pending release notifications are governed by O.C.G.A. 42.9.47 and O.C.G.A. 42.9.44(a).
HB310 created Department of Community Supervision Legal fact
During FY 2015, HB310 was passed creating the Department of Community Supervision (DCS).
Parole Board reorganization reduced workforce Finding
With the direct supervision of parolees being transferred to the newly created Department of Community Supervision, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles changed from an agency of nearly 700 employees to fewer than 200.
Parole consideration process fully electronic Finding
The Board's parole consideration process is now completely electronic. From data input to voting by the Board Member, the process is paperless and completely electronic. During FY16 the Board completed the conversion of life-sentenced cases from pap…
Life-sentenced case processing time reduced Finding
Life-sentenced cases that historically have taken approximately 90-days to process to the Board, now take less than two weeks.
Parole Board holds sole constitutional authority for executive clemency Legal fact
The Parole Board holds the sole constitutional authority to grant executive clemency to a condemned inmate. In Georgia, no inmate is entitled to parole, however, by law, most are eligible for consideration.
Three of five Board members required for decision Policy
Three of the five board members (a majority) must agree on a decision.
Eligible inmates automatically considered for parole Policy
Eligible inmates are automatically considered for parole.
Tentative Parole Month can be rescinded Policy
The Tentative Parole Month or 'grant' can be rescinded at any time. The TPM is not a release date or a final parole release decision.
Life-sentenced inmates may complete work release as precondition Policy
A life-sentenced inmate receiving a 'grant' parole decision may be required to complete a Department of Corrections' work release program as a precondition to parole.
Pardon does not expunge criminal record Legal fact
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 f…
Parole revocation hearings use video conferencing Policy
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, Georgia. Use of this technology has reduced travel costs not only…
District Operations Managers assigned to ten judicial districts Policy
District Operations Managers are assigned to the ten (10) Judicial Districts and are an integral link between the Board and the Department of Community Supervision (DCS) as it relates to parole violators.
Georgia is member of ICAOS Policy
The Georgia Parole Board, in FY16, 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 is comprised of all 50 states, the District of Co…
Victim Information Program is 24-hour automated system Policy
The Georgia Office of Victim Services operates the Victim Information Program or V.I.P. This is a 24-hour automated information system which provides crime victims and their families with access to information about the offender.
Victim Offender Dialogue can only be initiated by victim Policy
VOD can only be initiated by the victim and the offender must voluntarily agree to participate and must acknowledge his/her role in the crime.
Victim Support Partners program initiated in FY16 Policy
During FY16, the Georgia Office of Victim Services initiated the Victim Support Partners program whereas crime victims partner with the office to lend their support to other victims of crime. This new statewide network of dedicated victim volunteers…
Victims Visitors' Day program began in 2006 Policy
The Victims Visitors' Day program began in 2006.
Board conducts monthly policy meetings Policy
The Board conducts monthly meetings at which policy decisions are made. Offender cases are not discussed and parole decisions are not made at the monthly Board Meetings.
Parole consideration hearings are not held Policy
Parole consideration hearings are not held; however, each offender entering the Georgia prison system is interviewed by Board personnel.
Board actively solicits input throughout consideration process Policy
The Board also actively solicits input and accepts pleas for and protests against executive clemency throughout the consideration process from community stakeholders, including victims and criminal justice partners.
Board uses scientific guidelines and risk assessment Finding
The Board's scientific guidelines and risk assessment system, information from victims, the courts, district attorneys, the offender and the public, result in Board decisions that reflect the views of the community and the current state of the crimi…
Parole Decision Guidelines incorporate risk assessment Finding
The Parole Decision Guidelines incorporate a scientifically based, data driven risk assessment instrument with time to serve guidelines. Through application, the amount of sentence an offender should serve prior to possibly being released on parole …
Guidelines system being updated for sentencing trends Finding
The Board is currently updating the guidelines system to reflect the latest sentencing trends based on Georgia offender information. This process improvement will provide Board Members with additional scientific data to assist in making the most inf…
Parole allows management of finite prison beds Finding
Parole allows for the effective management of the finite resource of prison beds allowing the Department of Corrections to utilize the number of beds available for the most serious offenders.
Parole provides incentive for rehabilitation Finding
Without parole, the offender has little incentive to improve while incarcerated and little incentive to complete programming and make significant change.
Board worked within Criminal Justice Reform framework Finding
During the fiscal year, the Parole Board worked effectively within Georgia's Criminal Justice Reform framework resulting in a safer Georgia for all.
Intermediate sanctions reduce technical revocations Finding
The appropriate recommendations and enforcement of intermediate sanctions, such as treatment referral, administrative hearings, voice recognition or GPS monitoring, day reporting centers and parole detention centers results in the low percentage of …
Purpose of intermediate sanctions Finding
The purpose of intermediate sanctions is to bring the offenders back into compliance and revoke to prison the offenders who are a threat to public safety.
State prison costs for FY16 estimated Methodology note
State Prison costs for FY16 are not available at the time this report is published and therefore are estimated costs.
Restitution collections reported as combined total Methodology note
Restitution collections are reported as a combined total of funds collected by the Department of Corrections and the Parole Board.
National completion rate source is Bureau of Justice Statistics Methodology note
The Georgia/National Average Completion Rates chart cites the Bureau of Justice Statistics as the national source.
Documents not public under Georgia law Legal fact
Documents that are not public and 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'…
Public documents in parole file Legal fact
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 pa…
Factors Board Members consider for parole Policy
The following is information that may be in the offender's parole file that the Board Members can consider when determining if someone receives parole: aggravating circumstances; victim impact statements; prosecutor/judicial statements; legal invest…
Parole can be delayed or denied at final review Policy
Parole could be delayed or denied as a result of the offender not completing required programming, poor prison conduct, or because of detainers, warrants or new sentences. A release date that is set can be rescinded at any time prior to the release.
Life-sentenced inmates may receive expedited reviews Policy
Life-sentenced inmates who have been denied parole and have a scheduled reconsideration date may receive expedited parole reviews if the Board receives new information that warrants an earlier review.
Board Members and senior staff visited state prisons Policy
During FY16, the Board Members and senior staff continued visiting state prisons, meeting and informing inmates of the Board's expectations in order to be approved for parole.
Board leadership conducted stakeholder meetings Finding
During the fiscal year, with the goal of enhancing public safety in Georgia, the Board leadership and senior management conducted meetings to inform and educate both criminal justice partners and stakeholders about the parole consideration process i…
Agency guided by the 4Es Policy
The agency is guided by the 4Es: Engaging Stakeholders, Educating the Community, Eliciting Active Participation, and Enhancing Operations. Ultimately, enhanced operations equate to improved public safety.
Board developed additional solicitation/notification process Policy
During the fiscal year, the Board developed and put into action an additional solicitation/notification process whereas judges and district attorneys are now notified when the Board, by law, must consider an eligible offender for parole. The process…
Second solicitation implemented June 2016 Policy
In order to ensure the Board has current information about the cases, in June of 2016, the Board implemented a second solicitation/notification to judges and district attorneys. Now, six months prior to an offender becoming parole eligible, the Boar…
Agreement with Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia Policy
Based on an agreement between the Board and the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia, notification is made for specific offenses including attempted aggravated child molestation, attempted aggravated sexual battery, attempted aggravated sodomy,…
Parole investigators conduct post-sentence investigations Policy
Parole investigators conduct and complete investigations collecting information about the offender's conviction offenses. The process includes interviewing inmates for personal history statements and completing post sentence investigations.
2015 changes to investigation procedures Policy
In 2015, the Parole Board made changes to the investigation procedures for a pardon applicant requesting restoration of firearm rights and for investigations necessary for inmates serving a life sentence. Both types of investigations require face-to…
CONS implemented since 2011 Policy
Since 2011, the process of preparing a case for consideration by the Board has been completed electronically in CONS (Clemency Online Navigation System). CONS has proven to be more effective and efficient than the prior paper based process.
Digital document management implemented 2006 Policy
The Board in 2006 implemented a digital document management system for the imaging of the Board's closed files. The imaging process is a key part of the larger Clemency Online Navigation System (CONS), and integrates digital images into the division…
All parole eligible cases voted electronically Policy
Currently all parole eligible inmate cases in Georgia are voted electronically by the Board.
No Turning Back Recovery Program description Policy
The No Turning Back Recovery Program located at the Washington Parole Detention Center is an intensive addiction treatment program for parolees who are both higher risk and higher need offenders who were not successful in community-based treatment a…
Georgia Office of Victim Services supported by three agencies Policy
The Georgia Office of Victim Services is supported by three state agencies which are the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Department of Corrections and the Department of Community Supervision.
Victim Offender Dialogue program description Policy
The Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD) program provides an opportunity for victims of violent crimes to have a structured, safe, direct, one-on-one meeting with the offender who committed the crime. The program allows the victim and offender to discuss …
Additional services of Georgia Office of Victim Services Policy
Additional services of the Georgia Office of Victim Services include: Victim Impact Statements and Protest Letters are submitted to the Parole Board for review; Notification of parole consideration, release, and supervision of offenders; Advocacy fo…
Parole Board worked within Criminal Justice Reform framework Finding
During the fiscal year, the Parole Board worked effectively within Georgia's Criminal Justice Reform framework resulting in a safer Georgia for all.
Chairman Barnard served on Board of Community Supervision Policy
Mr. Barnard also serves on the Board of Community Supervision. The board has regulatory oversight of the Department of Community Supervision which is responsible for the supervision of felony offenders on probation and parole in Georgia.
Vice Chairman Mills served on Board of Community Supervision Policy
Mr. Mills currently serves on the Board of Community Supervision.
Sources
2 cited sources backing this research.
Primary
Official report
Primary
Official report
Key Entities
Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.
Board of Community Supervision
[organization]
Braxton T. Cotton
[person]
Brian Owens
[person]
Bureau of Justice Statistics
[organization]
Christopher L. Barnett
[person]
Clemency Online Navigation System
[program]
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
[organization]
Department of Community Supervision
[organization]
Georgia Crime Victims Emergency Fund
[program]
Georgia Department of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison
[facility]
Georgia Office of Victim Services
[organization]
Governor's Office of Transition, Support and Reentry
[organization]
HB310
[legislation]
Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision
[organization]
Jacqueline Bunn
[person]
James W. Mills
[person]
Nathan Deal
[person]
No Turning Back Recovery Program
[program]
Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia
[organization]
Rita Rocker
[person]
Sexual Offender Registration Review Board
[organization]
Sonny Perdue
[person]
State Board of Pardons and Paroles
[organization]
State Commission on Family Violence
[organization]
Terry E. Barnard
[person]
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
[organization]
Victim Information Program
[program]
Victim Offender Dialogue
[program]
Washington Parole Detention Center
[facility]
Related Topics
Research topics that draw on data from this collection.
Budget & Spending
The Georgia Department of Corrections now operates within roughly a $1.8 billion annual appropriation, with actual spending rising from $1.53 billion in FY2024 to $1.91 billion in FY2025 and $634 million in new corrections appropriations approved in 2025. Yet line-item analysis shows flat food spending at $0.54–$0.55 per meal, a nearly 50% correctional officer vacancy rate, and rising homicides even as millions flow to surveillance and extraction vendors. This page traces the budget's trajectory, its neglect points, and the missing accountability infrastructure.
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Oversight & Accountability
Georgia's prison system operates within a near-total accountability vacuum. Despite 142 homicides between 2018 and 2023, over $50 million in settled claims for death or injury, and 428 staff arrests for on-duty conduct, the state lacks independent oversight, relies on an elected-coroner system that obscures causes of death in 97.5% of counties, and has erected procedural barriers—most notably the grievance-exhaustion requirement under the PLRA—that systematically prevent judicial scrutiny. A $634 million spending infusion in 2025 was allocated without parallel reforms to enforce transparency or consequences, leaving a system that remains opaque, violent, and structurally incapable of correcting itself.
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Parole & Sentencing
Georgia's parole system functions as a powerful but opaque gatekeeper, releasing only a fraction of eligible people despite a 72% success rate and $343 million in annual cost avoidance. Meanwhile, life sentences have ballooned to one in five people in Georgia prisons, fueled by truth-in-sentencing policies and a reluctance to use release mechanisms, even as the state pours $634 million in new corrections spending into a system marked by extreme racial disparities and a near-total lack of compassionate release structures.
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Recidivism & Reentry
Georgia’s public narrative touts a low three-year felony reconviction rate of 25–27%, but this narrow metric masks a deeper crisis: the state releases 14,000–16,000 people annually with minimal reentry support, contributing to a national five-year rearrest rate of 76.6%. With nearly one in three incarcerated people over 50, spiraling healthcare costs, and a parole system that achieves a 72% successful completion rate, Georgia faces a stark choice between investing in evidence-based reentry or absorbing the escalating fiscal and human costs of system failure.
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Staffing Crisis
Georgia's prisons are operating with roughly half of their budgeted correctional officer posts vacant, a staffing collapse that has accompanied sharp rises in assaults, homicides, and deaths in custody. GDC's own data and independent counts show the correctional officer ranks fell from 6,383 in 2014 to fewer than 3,000 in 2024, even as the prison population remained near 49,000. The resulting crisis is not only a workforce problem but a driver of violence, contraband, and systemic failure documented by the U.S. Department of Justice.
2,631 data points