Parole
BOPP Annual Report FY2018 — Georgia Parole Board
The Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles FY2018 Annual Report documents a year of declining parole releases (10,363, the fourth consecutive annual decline) alongside rising prison commitments. The Board made 75,040 clemency decisions, reported a 72% parole completion rate versus a national average of approximately 57%, and calculated more than $450 million in annual cost avoidance from parole supervision compared to incarceration. The report emphasizes victim engagement (over 500 victims met with Board members), data-driven parole decision-making through the Parole Decision Guidelines Rating System, and operational modernization through electronic case management.
Key Findings
The most impactful data from this research collection.
Fourth Year of Declining Parole Releases
Trend$450.0M
Annual Cost Avoidance from Parole
Statistic$61.00
Incarceration vs. Parole Daily Cost
Statistic70%
Agency Budget Cut 70%
StatisticAll Data Points
140 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
FY2018 total clemency decisions by Parole Board Statistic
In Fiscal Year 2018, the Parole Board Members made 75,040 clemency decisions. This total represents all Board decisions requiring a vote and multiple decisions in each offender's case considered during the fiscal year. This total does not reflect th…
75,040 clemency decisions
FY2018 total prison releases by parole Statistic
The Board released from prison a total of 10,363 offenders in FY18 through all forms of clemency, including releasing inmates on parole. This total represented 105 fewer releases from the previous fiscal year.
10,363 offenders released vs. fewer than previous fiscal year
Fourth consecutive year of declining parole releases Trend
For a fourth consecutive year, parole releases were down during FY18. Meanwhile, prison commitments increased for a second consecutive year.
Georgia parole completion rate FY2018 Statistic
Georgia's percentage of parolees successfully completing parole in FY18 was 72%. The national average was approximately 57%.
72% vs. national average
Annual cost avoidance from parole supervision FY2018 Statistic
The annual cost avoidance to the state, due to offenders being under parole supervision as opposed to housing them in prison, was more than $450,000,000 for FY18. The fiscal year cost avoidance is calculated based on the FY18 cost per day to incarce…
$450.0M
FY2018 cost per day: incarceration vs. parole supervision Statistic
In FY18, the cost per day to incarcerate a state inmate in Georgia was $61.00, compared to the community supervision cost per day of $2.11.
$61.00 vs. parole supervision cost per day
FY2018 offender files initiated for consideration Statistic
In FY18, there were 13,408 offender files initiated for consideration by the Clemency Division.
13,408 offender files
FY2018 notifications generated by CONS Statistic
In FY18, 35,698 notifications (all types) were generated by CONS (Clemency Online Navigation System).
35,698 notifications
FY2018 preconditions to parole imposed Statistic
There were 6,507 preconditions to parole imposed by the Board on inmates during the fiscal year.
6,507 preconditions
FY2018 second solicitation notifications to judges and prosecutors Statistic
For FY18, 3,425 second solicitations/notifications were sent to judges and prosecutors. These notifications are sent regarding offenders convicted of serious felonies.
3,425 notifications
FY2018 90-day serious violent felony notifications Statistic
In FY18, the Board sent 90-day notifications in 391 cases regarding pending paroles for offenders convicted of a 'serious violent felony,' referred to commonly as the 'seven deadly sins.' (O.C.G.A. § 17-10-6.1) & (O.C.G.A. § 42-9-43(c)(1)).
391 notifications
FY2018 life sentence cases granted parole Statistic
In FY18, 119 life sentence cases were granted parole, while 1,517 life sentence cases were denied parole. Total life sentence case decisions were 1,636.
119 cases granted vs. cases denied
Average time served on life sentence for serious violent felonies in 2018 Statistic
In 2018, a life-sentenced inmate convicted of a serious violent felony served on average more than 26 years in prison prior to being released. In 1973, life-sentenced inmates convicted of serious violent felonies served less than nine years in priso…
26 years vs. average years served in 1973
FY2018 pardon and restoration of rights applications Statistic
In FY18, 647 pardon and restoration of rights applications were received and 482 were granted (all types). There were 421 fewer applications received during the fiscal year compared to the previous year. There were 237 fewer grants in FY18 than the …
647 applications received vs. applications granted
FY2018 pardon notifications to victims and district attorneys Statistic
During FY18, the Parole Board sent 572 notifications to registered victims and district attorneys regarding ex-offenders applying for pardons.
572 notifications
FY2018 clemency investigations completed Statistic
In FY18, the clemency investigators completed 38,919 investigations for the Parole Board.
38,919 investigations
FY2018 parole population decrease Statistic
During Fiscal Year 2018, the population of offenders on parole under community supervision decreased from 22,737 on July 1, 2017, to 22,047 on June 30, 2018.
22,047 offenders on parole vs. population on July 1, 2017
FY2018 cumulative parole supervision population Statistic
The cumulative number of offenders under parole supervision in Georgia during the fiscal year was 33,646.
33,646 offenders
FY2018 parole discharges Statistic
The number of offenders discharging from parole was 8,501 in FY18.
8,501 offenders discharged
FY2018 parole warrants issued Statistic
In FY18, a total of 7,703 warrants were issued by the Parole Board for alleged parole violators.
7,703 warrants
FY2018 warrants entered into GCIC/NCIC system Statistic
In FY18, the GCIC Unit entered 4,494 warrants into the GCIC/NCIC system.
4,494 warrants entered
FY2018 parole revocations Statistic
During FY18, the Board revoked 2,525 parole violators, returning the offenders to prison to serve their sentences in confinement. The number revoked decreased by 156 from the previous fiscal year.
2,525 parole violators revoked vs. decrease from previous fiscal year
Technical violations as share of FY2018 revocations Statistic
Of the FY18 total number of revocations, less than 1% were revoked on the basis of technical violations only, which include but are not limited to drug use, curfew violations, or failure to pay fines and fees.
1%
FY2018 final revocation hearings Statistic
Parole Board Members conducted 310 final revocation hearings during FY18.
310 hearings
FY2018 preliminary revocation hearings Statistic
There were 286 preliminary revocation hearings in FY18.
286 hearings
FY2018 SB 174 sentence commutations Statistic
During FY 2018, the Parole Board commuted the sentences of 88 offenders under SB 174, ending the prison/parole portion of their sentence and moving the case to probation supervision. Senate Bill 174, passed in 2017, included a provision requiring th…
88 offenders
FY2018 out-of-state parole supervision releases Statistic
During FY18, the Interstate Compact Unit released 566 offenders to out-of-state supervision.
566 offenders
Georgia offenders under active parole supervision in Compact states Statistic
As of June 30, 2018, there were 2,436 Georgia offenders under active parole supervision in Compact states and 1,373 other Compact state offenders on parole supervision in Georgia.
2,436 Georgia offenders in Compact states vs. Compact state offenders in Georgia
FY2018 ICE Rapid REPAT releases and cost avoidance Statistic
Via the ICE Rapid REPAT (Removal of Eligible Parolees Accepted for Transfer) Program, 117 foreign national offenders were released to ICE for deportation at an estimated cost avoidance of $6,122,724.
117 offenders released to ICE vs. estimated cost avoidance in dollars
FY2018 documents scanned into case management systems Statistic
During FY18, 39,196 documents were scanned into the case management systems (Portal, CONS and TRIM system) utilized by the Board to make parole decisions.
39,196 documents
FY2018 active lifer offender parole files scanned Statistic
There were 1,224 active lifer offender parole files scanned and 5,718 archived files imaged during the fiscal year. There are approximately 163,372 archived files remaining to be imaged.
1,224 active lifer files scanned vs. archived files imaged
FY2018 New Direction Recovery Program referrals and graduations Statistic
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. For FY18, 57 parolees were referred to the program. As of June 3…
57 parolees referred vs. parolees graduated
FY2018 victim phone calls handled by staff Statistic
In FY18, 12,416 phone calls from victims were handled by staff of the Georgia Office of Victim Services.
12,416 phone calls
FY2018 outgoing victim correspondences Statistic
In FY18, 17,483 outgoing correspondences were sent to victims in response to concerns.
17,483 correspondences
FY2018 victim correspondences received Statistic
In FY18, 9,430 correspondences were received from victims and filed with the office.
9,430 correspondences
FY2018 new V.I.P. registrants Statistic
For FY18, there were 3,422 new V.I.P. registrants (victims registered with the office).
3,422 new registrants
FY2018 V.I.P. phone calls logged Statistic
In FY18, 6,917 phone calls from victims were logged into the V.I.P. system.
6,917 phone calls
FY2018 V.I.P. system calls to victims Statistic
In FY18, the V.I.P. system made 935 calls to victims of crime.
935 calls
Victims met with Board Members in FY2018 Statistic
Board Members met with more than 500 crime victims and family members during the fiscal year discussing the parole status of offenders. The meetings allow for victim input prior to the parole decision process.
500 crime victims and family members
Cumulative Victims Visitors' Days through FY2018 Statistic
Through June 30, 2018, the Parole Board has conducted 29 of these events across Georgia, meeting with nearly 4,000 crime victims and family members. The Victims Visitors' Day program began in 2006. Through FY18, 29 separate events have been conducte…
29 events vs. victims met
Cordele Victims Visitors' Day attendance Statistic
On October 17, 2017, more than 160 victims attended the Victims Visitors' Day in Cordele, Georgia. The report elsewhere states 165 victims of crime including family members attended. As a result, new or additional victim information was added to 75 …
165 victims attended vs. parole case files updated
Clarkston Victims Visitors' Day attendance Statistic
The largest ever Victims Visitors' Day was held at Georgia Piedmont Technical College in Clarkston (DeKalb County) in April of 2018. A total of 356 victims including family members attended the first two-day event in the Parole Board's history. The …
356 victims attended vs. parole case files involved
Victim satisfaction rate at FY2018 Victims Visitors' Days Statistic
According to exit surveys at these two events, 98% of victims participating in FY18 stated that all of their questions were answered to their satisfaction.
98%
FY2018 Victim Offender Dialogue sessions Statistic
In FY18, the Georgia Office of Victim Services conducted fifteen (15) Victim Offender Dialogue sessions involving victims and offenders.
15 sessions
FY2018 Victim Support Partners volunteer hours Statistic
During the fiscal year, the Victim Support Partners group expanded to seventeen (17) victim-volunteers who compiled more than 505 volunteer hours supporting other Georgia crime victims.
505 volunteer hours vs. victim-volunteers
FY2018 total agency expenditures Statistic
Total Expenditures for FY 2018 were $17,512,005. Personal Services accounted for $15,320,152 (87.5% of expenditures).
$17.5M vs. personal services expenditures
FY2018 total agency funds Statistic
Total Funds for FY2018 were $17,776,655, comprised of State funds of $17,585,140, Federal funds of $102,602, and Other funds of $88,913.
$17.8M
Agency budget decreased 70% between FY2015 and FY2018 Statistic
The agency budget decreased by 70% between FY 2015 and FY 2018, following the creation of the Department of Community Supervision (DCS) in FY 2015 and the transfer of parole supervision functions and funding to DCS.
70%
FY2018 full-time employees Statistic
In FY18, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles had 182 full-time employees: 148 female and 34 male.
182 employees
FY2018 staff by race/ethnicity Statistic
Staff by race/ethnicity in FY18: Multi-Racial 1, Asian 2, Hispanic 2, Black 101, White 76.
101 Black employees vs. White employees
FY2018 staff by age group Statistic
Staff by age groups in FY18: 20-29: 13, 30-39: 26, 40-49: 52, 50-59: 71, 60 Plus: 20.
71 employees aged 50-59
FY2018 training hours delivered Statistic
Training delivered in FY 2018: 3,182 hours to sworn staff, 2,016 hours to non-sworn staff, and 3,180 hours delivered by Pardons and Paroles.
3,182 hours to sworn staff vs. hours to non-sworn staff
Parole Board composition and appointment 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. In 1943, the Board was established through a constitutional amendment and con…
Board is sole authority for death sentence commutation in Georgia Legal fact
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. Board Members conduct a clemency meeting for the condemned inmate after which they may commu…
Three of five Board members must agree on parole decision Legal fact
Three of the five board members must agree on a decision for parole to be granted.
Life sentence parole eligibility thresholds Legal fact
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 con…
Life sentence reconsideration policy 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.
Seven deadly sins offenses defined Legal fact
The 'seven deadly sins' offenses are murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy and aggravated sexual battery (O.C.G.A. § 17-10-6.1).
72-hour statutory notification before parole release 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. § 42-9-47)
Victim notification requirement for parole consideration 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. § 17-17-13)
Parole revocation authority under O.C.G.A. § 42-9-51 Legal fact
Revocation can occur during a Parole Revocation Hearing, when the offender signs a waiver to a revocation hearing, or automatic revocation if the conditions exist according to O.C.G.A. § 42-9-51.
Parole Decision Guidelines Rating System revised in 2017 Policy
Revisions to the guidelines were completed in 2017. Updates included raising the crime severity level of certain conviction types. On the risk to reoffend scale, the Board now includes prior arrest episodes in place of conviction history for the off…
Parole hearings are not held in Georgia Policy
Parole hearings are not held. However, each offender entering the Georgia prison system is interviewed by Board personnel. The Board also actively solicits input and accepts pleas for and protests against executive clemency throughout the considerat…
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 …
Pardon notification law adopted in 2015 Legal fact
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. The Parole Board exceeds the statutory requirements and sends these notifications regar…
Parole Board supports GDC reentry efforts Policy
The Board works closely with and supports the reentry efforts of the Department of Corrections by participating in offender population meetings and the agency's Family Day, where offender families are able to meet with staff from both agencies.
PERKS review with Robina Institute Policy
In FY 2018, the Board completed a review of its offender violations and revocation process in collaboration with the Robina Institute. As a result the agency is focusing on recommendations for improvements allowing for the best decision making invol…
Georgia Tech joint research project on parole success factors Policy
The agency is engaged in a joint research project with Georgia Tech to determine factors among similarly situated individuals that lead to success and what the Parole Board can mandate prior to any clemency release and post release to provide the be…
Legal investigations module developed in FY2018 Policy
A new investigations module was developed to allow for 'real time' tracking of legal investigations regarding offender parole cases and it will result in a new computer software system that will enhance the entire investigative process. The new syst…
Scan team enhancements in FY2018 Policy
A new scanning process has been developed improving the management of the thousands of documents that are scanned into the agency's electronic case management system. As a result, all documents are now properly scanned eliminating the rescanning of …
Strategic plan updated in FY2018 Policy
In FY 2018, the Board updated the agency strategic plan aligning goals and the vision with those of the Governor. The plan guides the agency's progress to benefit all Georgians.
Clemency Online Navigation System (CONS) electronic case management Policy
The process of preparing a case for consideration by the Board is completed electronically in CONS (Clemency Online Navigation System). CONS has proven to be more effective and efficient than the prior paper based process. CONS allows Parole Board M…
Tentative Parole Month can be rescinded Policy
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.
Parole Board monthly meetings do not decide cases Policy
The Board conducts monthly Parole Board Meetings at which policy decisions are made. Offender cases are not discussed and parole decisions are not made at the monthly Board Meetings.
Parole Board moved October 2017 monthly meeting to Cordele Policy
In a move to make the Parole Board more accessible to all Georgians, the October 2017 monthly Parole Board meeting was moved from Atlanta to Cordele.
75th anniversary of State Board of Pardons and Paroles commemorated Finding
At the June 2018 monthly Parole Board meeting, the 75th anniversary of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles was commemorated. Relatives of the first three Parole Board Members attended and were recognized with board resolutions.
Reentry video highlights parole success Case detail
'A Parole Success and a Recipe for Returning Offenders' was released at the November 2017 monthly Parole Board meeting. Carey Parrott received a pardon from the Board as a result of his successful reentry following years in prison and completion of …
Terry Barnard reappointed to Parole Board Case detail
Governor Nathan Deal re-appointed Parole Board Member Terry Barnard to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. The appointment, Mr. Barnard's second full term, was made in December of 2017.
David Herring appointed to Parole Board Case detail
David J. Herring was appointed to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles on August 1, 2018, by Governor Nathan Deal.
Jacqueline Bunn appointed to State Commission on Family Violence Case detail
In August 2018, Ms. Bunn was appointed by Governor Deal to the State Commission on Family Violence.
Parole Board partnerships with law enforcement organizations Finding
Partnerships were formed with various law enforcement organizations during the fiscal year. Parole leadership participated in various training meetings and conferences to include: the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, the Prosecuting Attorney…
Parole staff attend inmate graduations Finding
Parole staff attended inmate graduations throughout the fiscal year, showing support for the achievements of offenders. During the fiscal year, the Parole Board took opportunities to notify graduates of their parole release at the graduation, sendin…
Parole Board is sole authority for parole decisions in Georgia Legal fact
The Board is the sole authority in the state to make informed decisions on which state inmates are deserving of parole, thereby ensuring that the state's prison beds are dedicated to the offenders who have committed the most serious crimes.
Inmate population exceeds 50,000 Statistic
Today, as the inmate population exceeds 50,000, the Board still consists of five voting members. On average, more than 40% of the 50,000 plus inmate population serve out their entire prison sentence while incarcerated in the Georgia Department of Co…
50,000 inmates vs. percent serving entire sentence
Parole success rate among paroled offenders Statistic
Of the remaining 60% of inmates, of those who are paroled, more than 70% continue to show positive traits while under parole supervision and successfully complete parole.
70%
Parole came to Georgia in 1908 Legal fact
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.
State Board of Pardons and Paroles established in 1943 Legal fact
The General Assembly enacted legislation, and signed it into law in February of 1943, creating the State Board of Pardons and Paroles as an independent agency to administer executive clemency. In August of 1943, Georgia voters ratified, by a ratio o…
Parole investigators in Clemency Division Statistic
Fifty-two parole investigators work in the Clemency Division. Forty-four investigators are assigned to the field and predominantly complete post sentence investigations and profiles for all offenders sentenced by Georgia courts. Eight investigators …
52 parole investigators
Criminal investigators in Clemency Division Statistic
The Board has six criminal investigators who conduct face-to-face interviews of ex-offenders seeking restoration of firearm rights and inmates serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole.
6 criminal investigators
District operations managers assigned to ten judicial districts Statistic
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. District operations managers are P.O.S.T. ce…
10 judicial districts
P.O.S.T. training requirement for district operations managers Policy
District operations managers are required to annually complete 20 hours of P.O.S.T. training to include weapons requalification.
Sworn staff 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 of training annually.
De-escalation and Community Policing training requirement Policy
Beginning January 1, 2017, Board-sworn staff must participate in De-escalation and Community Policing training. Both sworn and non-sworn staff must complete Unlawful Harassment and Professionalism and Ethics training each year.
Parole Board membership in ICAOS Policy
The State Board of Pardons and Paroles, in FY18, was a member of the Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision (ICAOS). ICAOS is comprised of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands.
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. VOD requires a lengthy preparation process involving both the victim and the offender working separately w…
V.I.P. is a 24-hour automated information system Policy
V.I.P. is a 24-hour automated information system providing registered crime victims and/or their family members with access to information about their offender. Upon registering, victims are issued a PIN (Personal Identification Number). When access…
Georgia Office of Victim Services supported by three state 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.
HB310 created Department of Community Supervision in FY2015 Legal fact
During FY 2015, HB310 created the Department of Community Supervision (DCS). An Executive Order transferred $10,058,280 to DCS at the beginning of FY 2016. 400+ Parole Officers remained on the Parole payroll throughout FY 2016, although operationall…
FY2018 budget increase due to law enforcement raises Finding
Increase in FY 2018 budget due to law enforcement raises (20%) and 2 new positions.
Parole Board Chairman serves on Board of Community Supervision Policy
As Parole Board Chairman, 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 paro…
Vice Chairman serves on Board of Community Supervision Policy
As vice chairman, Mr. Owens 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 Geor…
Parole Board exceeds statutory pardon notification requirements Policy
The Parole Board exceeds the statutory requirements and sends these notifications regarding all applications received for pardons, not just specific cases as required by law.
Parole Board sends secondary solicitation beyond statutory requirement Policy
The Board's 'Secondary Solicitation of Information' is sent to the prosecuting district attorney's office and the judge regarding an offender convicted of a serious felony. The notification is made six months prior to the offender's statutorily mand…
Parole revocation hearings conducted via 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. Use of this technology has reduced travel costs for all three age…
Intermediate sanctions reduce technical revocations Policy
The appropriate recommendations and enforcement of intermediate sanctions, such as treatment referral, administrative hearings, electronic monitoring or GPS monitoring, day reporting centers and parole detention centers results in the low percentage…
Parole Board warrant authority Legal fact
State law authorizes the Parole Board Members to issue warrants for the arrest of alleged parole violators.
Parole Board authority to commute sentences to time served Legal fact
The Parole Board has the authority to commute an offender's sentence to time served. This includes offenders serving parole. Offenders serving parole may petition to have their prison sentence commuted by the Board.
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…
Documents protected from public disclosure in parole files Legal fact
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…
Public documents in parole files Legal fact
Many documents in the parole file on the offender are public. They may include sentencing documents, notifications to the offender regarding the Board's decision, notice of consideration for parole prior to serving one-third of the sentence, notice …
Parole Board Chairman quote on public safety Quote
In closing, I reiterate that the State Board of Pardons and Paroles exists to benefit public safety. An effective parole decision making process delivers informed, data driven decisions resulting in successful parole completions.
Executive Director quote on being number one paroling authority Quote
To be the number one paroling authority in the nation we must continue to find ways of improving. We're currently engaged in several projects to meet this goal.
Executive Director quote on four Es Quote
In order to achieve continued enhancement of the process, operationally we must continue our partnerships with stakeholders across the state. Every taxpayer funded agency should be looking for ways to collaborate with stakeholders and each other, sp…
Chairman quote on victim meetings Quote
We are committed to protecting victims' rights to include an interest in their healing which was evident again in FY18 as we conducted more one-on-one meetings with crime victims than in any previous year. More than 500 victims, including their fami…
Chairman quote on parole decision making process Quote
As you review the report, you will find that the parole decision making process incorporates scientific best practices, is data driven and evidence based. It is a process made public through multiple notifications that enables stakeholders, includin…
Executive Director quote on mission focus Quote
While serving the Parole Board and the citizens of Georgia in this capacity, I have ensured the operations of the agency remained mission focused, ensuring public safety, protecting victims' rights and providing offenders with opportunities for posi…
Parole releases declined while prison commitments increased Trend
For a fourth consecutive year, parole releases were down during FY18. Meanwhile, prison commitments increased for a second consecutive year.
Life sentence time served trend 1973-2018 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 year 2000, the average had risen to more than 15 years. By 2010, the average time served o…
Parole completion rate trend FY2014-FY2018 Trend
Georgia's parole completion rates have remained above 70% from FY14 through FY18, consistently exceeding the national average. The national average was approximately 57% in FY18.
Parole revocation trend FY2014-FY2018 Trend
Parole revocations by fiscal year: FY14: 2,380; FY15: 2,655; FY16: 2,505; FY17: 2,681; FY18: 2,525. The number revoked in FY18 decreased by 156 from the previous fiscal year.
Cost avoidance trend FY2014-FY2018 Trend
Fiscal year cost avoidance: FY14 $469 million, FY15 $451 million, FY16 $450 million, FY17 $377 million, FY18 more than $450 million.
Life sentence parole decisions trend FY2014-FY2018 Trend
Life sentence cases granted parole by fiscal year: FY14: 133; FY15: 151; FY16: 163; FY17: 104; FY18: 119. Life sentence cases denied parole: FY14: 577; FY15: 1,230; FY16: 1,504; FY17: 1,471; FY18: 1,517.
Parole releases trend FY2014-FY2018 Trend
Parole releases by fiscal year: FY14: 16,212; FY15: 13,520; FY16: 13,374; FY17: 10,468; FY18: 10,363.
Cost per day incarceration vs. parole trend FY2014-FY2018 Trend
Cost per day for incarceration vs. parole: FY14: $52.81 vs. $4.03; FY15: $52.81 vs. $4.49; FY16: $52.95 vs. $3.54; FY17: $53.76 vs. $2.12; FY18: $61.00 vs. $2.11.
Parole population trend FY2017-FY2018 Trend
The population of offenders on parole under community supervision decreased from 22,737 on July 1, 2017, to 22,047 on June 30, 2018.
Pardon applications declining trend Trend
There were 421 fewer pardon and restoration of rights applications received during FY18 compared to the previous year. There were 237 fewer grants in FY18 than the previous fiscal year.
Georgia parole completion rate exceeds national average Finding
Georgia's percentage of parolees successfully completing parole in FY18 was 72%, compared to the national average of approximately 57% according to Bureau of Justice Statistics figures.
Parole Board uses data-driven decision making Methodology note
The parole decision making process incorporates scientific best practices, is data driven and evidence based. By utilizing the Board's Parole Decision Guidelines Rating System, the process is scientific and data driven.
Parole Decision Guidelines Rating System methodology Methodology note
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 …
Cost avoidance calculation methodology Methodology note
The fiscal year cost avoidance is calculated based on the FY18 cost per day to incarcerate a state inmate in Georgia ($61.00) compared to the community supervision cost per day ($2.11).
Arrests are better statistical predictor than convictions Methodology note
Research has proven arrests to be a better statistical predictor of future criminal behavior than conviction history.
Parole case file contents Methodology note
The comprehensive electronic case file generally includes investigative reports, reports from the Department of Corrections, the offender's criminal history, circumstances of current offenses, information from the district attorney, victims and othe…
Information considered in parole decisions Methodology note
Information that may be in the parole file that the Board Members can consider when determining if an eligible inmate receives parole includes: aggravating circumstances, victim impact statements, prosecutor/judicial statements, legal investigations…
Parole consideration process steps Methodology note
After the agency receives an offender's sentencing information electronically from the Department of Corrections, parole investigators collect details of conviction offenses, interview inmates for personal history statements and complete post senten…
Final review process before parole release Methodology note
As the TPM approaches, the hearing examiner will conduct a final review of the offender's case file. The final review determines if there is any reason a release date should not be set. Parole could be delayed or denied as a result of the offender n…
Life sentence parole consideration methodology Methodology note
Inmates serving a life sentence are considered when they become eligible under Georgia law. Unlike other offenders, the Board's guidelines are not used and a TPM is not the result of the Board's decision. The Board's decision is either to grant or d…
Parole violation investigation process Methodology note
When a violation occurs, the supervising officer generates a report detailing the delinquent behavior. Upon receipt of the report, the district operations manager conducts a thorough case investigation to determine what action the Board should take …
Parole revocation hearing process Methodology note
Upon the establishment of probable cause, Parole Revocation Hearings are held to address violations of parole. Each hearing is presided over by an individual Board Member who hears all of the evidence in the case and makes a recommendation to the fu…
Pardon investigation process Methodology note
The Parole Board's pardon application and decision making process includes thorough pardon investigations and provides the most comprehensive information available to assist the Board in making quality pardon decisions. The current application requi…
Parole Board exceeds statutory notification requirements Policy
The Board continued efforts to solicit case information as required by state law and also continued providing notification of parole considerations not required by statute.
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.
Applied Research Services, Inc.
[organization]
Board of Community Supervision
[organization]
Brian Owens
[person]
Bureau of Justice Statistics
[organization]
Carey Parrott
[person]
Christopher L. Barnett
[person]
Clemency Online Navigation System
[program]
David J. Herring
[person]
Department of Community Supervision
[organization]
Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police
[organization]
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
[organization]
Georgia Department of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison
[facility]
Georgia Office of Victim Services
[organization]
Georgia Sheriffs' Association
[organization]
Georgia Tech
[organization]
HB310
[legislation]
ICE Rapid REPAT Program
[program]
Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision
[organization]
Jacqueline Bunn
[person]
James W. Mills
[person]
Nathan Deal
[person]
New Direction Recovery Program
[program]
Parole Decision Guidelines Rating System
[program]
Parole Exits and Revocation Knowledge System
[program]
Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia
[organization]
Rita Rocker
[person]
Robina Institute
[organization]
Senate Bill 174
[legislation]
Sexual Offender Registration Review Board
[organization]
State Board of Pardons and Paroles
[organization]
State Commission on Family Violence
[organization]
Terry E. Barnard
[person]
Treutlen Probation Detention Center
[facility]
Victim Information Program
[program]
Victim Offender Dialogue Program
[program]
Victim Support Partners
[program]
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Research topics that draw on data from this collection.
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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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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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Policy & Advocacy
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4,838 data points
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.
6,376 data points