Parole
BOPP Annual Report FY2023 — Georgia Parole Board
The FY 2023 Annual Report of the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles documents the agency's 80th year of operation, reporting 5,863 offenders released on parole, a 70% parole success rate exceeding the national average by an estimated 13 percentage points, and over $319 million in annual cost avoidance to the state. The report details the Board's five-member composition, its evidence-based parole decision guidelines system, and significant expansions in victim services including Victim Impact Sessions and the Victim Offender Dialogue program. Key policy changes include raising crime severity levels for criminal street gang activity and arson, reflecting the state's anti-gang priorities.
Where this research is used
This page is a research collection: individual facts drawn from the sources listed further down, each traced to where it came from. A research topic brings many collections together into one overview of an issue. The facts on this page feed these 7 topics; open one to see how they fit with the rest of the evidence.
Budget & Spending
Georgia's prison budget rose from $1.53 billion in fiscal year 2024 to a $1.91 billion peak in fiscal year 2025, then fell back to $1.79 billion for fiscal year 2027 — but the money moved sharply toward health contracts, private beds and surveillance while education, reentry and food stayed near the floor. This page traces what the appropriations record actually shows, flags where GPS's own published figures (the 44% increase, the $634 million infusion, the 46-to-1 surveillance ratio) cannot be reconciled with the line items, and names the people whose deaths sit behind the cost-per-person arithmetic.
10,776 data points
Oversight & Accountability
Georgia operates one of the largest state prison systems in the country with no independent ombudsman, no inspector general for corrections, no outside monitors with a right of entry, and no oversight bill that has ever passed its legislature. Every accountability mechanism that exists — PREA compliance, internal investigations, mortality review, accreditation — is housed inside the Georgia Department of Corrections and answers to the Commissioner it is meant to check. The result, documented across 108 GPS research collections, is a system that reported 6 homicides in a month when its own records showed at least 18, that passed 273 consecutive sexual-abuse audits with zero failed standards while the U.S. Department of Justice found assault rampant, and that has faced a 93-page federal findings letter, 82 recommended remedies, a contempt order, and daily court fines without a single enforceable reform.
15,407 data points
Parole & Sentencing
Georgia's parole system has contracted sharply over three decades: the Board of Pardons and Paroles released 5,588 people on parole in FY2025, down 42% from 9,455 in FY2019, and its lifer grant rate has fallen from 21.9% in FY2001–FY2006 to roughly 5% today. Average time served on a life sentence for a serious violent felony has risen from under nine years in 1973 to 29.6 years in FY2025 per the Board's own reporting — 31.1 years by GPS's separate count. The result is a system in which parole eligibility at 7, 14, or 30 years increasingly ends in denial, reconsideration up to eight years later, and release for many only at the maximum sentence date.
12,868 data points
Policy & Advocacy
Georgia's policy and advocacy landscape is defined by a paradox: a decade of bipartisan sentencing reform that measurably reduced incarceration and racial disparity, followed by a sharp reversal toward prison construction, surveillance technology, and record spending attached to no independent oversight. Legislative victories on wrongful conviction compensation, survivor justice, and out-of-time appeals sit alongside bills that died in the last minutes of session — an independent prison ombudsman, restrictive housing limits, parole transparency — and a post-conviction system the Chief Justice of Georgia calls 'a mess' that only the legislature can fix. The 2026 statewide elections and an unresolved federal investigation are the two live pressure points advocates are organizing around.
7,412 data points
Recidivism & Reentry
Georgia reports one of the lowest recidivism rates in the country — an official 25–27% three-year felony reconviction rate — but that figure counts only reconvictions, only within three years, and excludes people who die, who return on technical violations, or who are rearrested without conviction. National data that count arrests find 83% of released state prisoners rearrested within nine years, and GPS's own research library estimates Georgia's real return-to-incarceration rate is closer to 50%. This page tracks what the state measures, what it doesn't, what the evidence says actually reduces recidivism, and how thin Georgia's reentry infrastructure remains relative to the 12,000–16,000 people it releases each year.
12,264 data points
Reform Models & Programs
Georgia operates a statewide cognitive-skills curriculum for parolees, twelve reentry and cognitive programming centers, contracted addiction treatment, step-down units inside its Tier segregation system, and an earned-time credit statute — and the national evidence base for each of those program types is unusually strong. What the record does not contain is current, published, rigorously designed outcome data for most of Georgia's own programs, and the state's direct spending on them amounts to a fraction of one percent of the prison budget. This page sets out what the research verifies, what Georgia actually runs, what it spends, what other states have achieved, and where the evidence stops.
12,091 data points
Violence & Safety
A three-year federal investigation concluded in October 2024 that Georgia's prison system violates the Eighth Amendment by failing to protect incarcerated people from violence and sexual abuse, documenting 142 homicides between 2018 and 2023 and finding that gangs control housing units while officers are absent for hours at a time. Independent counts put the death toll far above the state's own figures, and the gap between them is itself part of the story: Georgia's violence data is produced by the same understaffed, unmonitored system it describes.
9,940 data points
Key Findings
The most impactful data from this research collection. Tap a card for the full finding, GPS commentary on why it matters, and its source.
The finding
In Fiscal Year 2023, the Parole Board released 5,863 offenders from prison to serve the remainder of their prison sentence on parole. This represented 382 fewer parole board-initiated releases from the previous fiscal year.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
The drop came as prison admissions were rising, so fewer discretionary releases did less to offset new arrivals, continuing a decline in parole releases that runs back to FY19.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.
The finding
Georgia's percentage of parolees successfully completing parole in FY23 was 70%. The national average was estimated to be approximately 57%. The Board's parole success rate has again eclipsed the national average by an estimated 13%.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
The Board's word "again" marks FY23 as another year in which Georgia's parole outcomes topped the national estimate, not a one-time result, though both the national figure and the gap are estimates.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.
The finding
Of the FY23 total number of revocations, less than 1% of those revoked were revoked based on technical violations which include, but are not limited to, drug use, curfew violations, or failure to pay fines and fees.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Returns to prison from Georgia parole almost never rest on technical violations alone, so the revocations the Board reports, which have been declining, turn on other grounds rather than missed curfews or unpaid fees.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.
The finding
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 319 million dollars for FY23. The fiscal year cost avoidance is calculated based on the FY23 cost per day to incarcerate a state inmate in Georgia ($59.14) compared to the community supervision cost per day ($2.67).
Why it matters · GPS commentary
A prison day cost Georgia about twenty-two times a day of parole supervision, so the decline in parole releases and in the Board's cost avoidance during these years kept more people in the far more expensive option.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.All Data Points
172 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
FY23 Parole Releases Statistic
In Fiscal Year 2023, the Parole Board released 5,863 offenders from prison to serve the remainder of their prison sentence on parole. This represented 382 fewer parole board-initiated releases from the previous fiscal year.
5,863 offenders released vs. 6,245 FY22 releases
FY23 Parole Success Rate Statistic
Georgia's percentage of parolees successfully completing parole in FY23 was 70%. The national average was estimated to be approximately 57%. The Board's parole success rate has again eclipsed the national average by an estimated 13%.
70% vs. 57 National average
FY23 Clemency Votes Statistic
In FY23, the five Board Members made a total of 62,969 votes. The total represents all Board decisions requiring a vote and multiple votes or decisions for each offender case during the fiscal year.
62,969 votes
FY23 Inmate Cases Considered Statistic
The total number of parole eligible offender cases considered by the Board Members during the fiscal year was 17,151.
17,151 cases
FY23 Offender Files Initiated Statistic
In FY23, there were 21,974 offender files initiated for consideration by the Clemency Division.
21,974 files
FY23 GPEDS Notifications Generated Statistic
For FY23, 41,269 notifications (all types) were generated by GPEDS (Georgia Parole Evidence-based Data System).
41,269 notifications
FY23 Preconditions to Parole Imposed Statistic
There were 3,986 preconditions to parole imposed by the Board on inmates during the fiscal year.
3,986 preconditions
FY23 PIC Points Granted Statistic
In FY23, the Parole Board members granted 26,855 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.
26,855 PIC points
FY23 Serious Felony Case Notifications Statistic
In FY23, 2,186 case notifications or second solicitations/notifications were sent to judges and prosecutors regarding offenders convicted of serious felonies.
2,186 notifications
FY23 90-Day Notifications Sent Statistic
In FY23, the Board sent 90-day notifications in 156 cases regarding offenders convicted of serious violent felonies being considered for parole release.
156 cases
FY23 Life Sentence Parole Grants Statistic
In FY23, 83 lifers serving for a Serious Violent Felony were granted/released. Total life sentence cases granted was 110 (including the 83 SVF life sentence cases).
110 grants
FY23 Life Sentence Cases Denied Statistic
In FY23, the Board denied parole in 2,144 life sentence cases.
2,144 denials
FY23 Total Life Sentence Cases Considered Statistic
In FY23, the Board considered 2,254 life sentenced cases for parole.
2,254 cases
FY23 Guideline Cases Considered Statistic
In FY23, the Board considered 10,436 guideline cases for parole.
10,436 cases
FY23 Short Sentence Cases Considered Statistic
In FY23, the Board considered 4,461 short sentence cases for parole.
4,461 cases
FY23 Final Reviews Completed Statistic
In FY23, 8,401 final reviews were completed by CAU hearing examiners.
8,401 reviews
FY23 Clemency Investigations Completed Statistic
In FY23, the clemency investigators completed 34,568 investigations for the Parole Board.
34,568 investigations
FY23 Pardon Applications Received Statistic
In FY23, 1,059 pardon and restoration of rights applications were received (all types – pardons and RR).
1,059 applications
FY23 Pardons Granted Statistic
In FY23, 564 pardon and restoration of rights applications were granted (all types). There were 19 more applications granted during the fiscal year compared to the previous year.
564 grants
FY23 Pardons Granted Without Firearms Restored Statistic
In FY23, 184 pardons were granted without firearms being restored.
184 pardons
FY23 Pardons Granted With Firearms Restored Statistic
In FY23, 285 pardons were granted with firearms being restored.
285 pardons
FY23 Restorations of Civil and Political Rights Statistic
In FY23, 85 restorations of civil and political rights were granted (without firearms restored).
85 restorations
FY23 Restorations With Firearms Restored Statistic
In FY23, 10 restorations of civil and political rights with firearms restored were granted.
10 restorations
FY23 Pardon Notifications to District Attorneys Statistic
During FY23, the Parole Board sent 697 notifications to district attorneys regarding ex-offenders applying for pardons.
697 notifications
FY23 Parole Population Decline Statistic
During Fiscal Year 2023, the population of offenders on parole under community supervision decreased from 17,744 on July 1, 2022, to 16,369 on June 30, 2023.
16,369 parolees vs. 17,744 July 1, 2022 population
FY23 Cumulative Parole Supervision Population Statistic
The cumulative number of offenders under parole supervision during the fiscal year was 23,639.
23,639 offenders
FY23 Parole Discharges Statistic
The number of offenders discharged from parole in FY23 was 5,276.
5,276 discharges
FY23 Parole Revocations Statistic
During FY23, the Board revoked 1,552 parole violators returning the offenders to prison to serve their sentences in confinement. The number revoked decreased by 273 from the previous fiscal year.
1,552 revocations vs. 1,825 FY22 revocations
FY23 Technical Violation Revocations Under 1% Statistic
Of the FY23 total number of revocations, less than 1% of those revoked were revoked based on technical violations which include, but are not limited to, drug use, curfew violations, or failure to pay fines and fees.
1%
FY23 Parole Board Warrants Issued Statistic
In FY23, a total of 4,161 warrants were issued by the Parole Board.
4,161 warrants
FY23 GCIC Warrant Entries Statistic
In FY23, the GCIC Unit entered 2,427 warrants into the GCIC/NCIC system.
2,427 warrants
FY23 Final Revocation Hearings Conducted Statistic
Parole Board Members conducted 254 final revocation hearings during FY23.
254 hearings
FY23 SB174 Commutation Cases Considered Statistic
During FY 2023, the Parole Board considered 795 cases for commutation under SB174 and commuted ten (10) cases that met the strict criteria of the Board.
795 cases considered vs. 10 cases commuted
FY23 Out-of-State Parole Releases Statistic
During FY23, the Interstate Compact Unit released 255 offenders to out-of-state supervision.
255 offenders
Georgia Offenders Under Out-of-State Parole Supervision Statistic
As of June 30, 2023, there were 2,241 Georgia offenders under active parole supervision in Compact states and 1,405 other Compact state offenders on parole supervision in Georgia.
2,241 offenders
FY23 ICE Rapid REPAT Releases Statistic
Via the ICE Rapid REPAT (Removal of Eligible Parolees Accepted for Transfer) Program, 17 foreign national offenders were released to ICE for deportation at an estimated cost avoidance of $3,511,452.21.
17 offenders vs. 3,511,452.2 Estimated cost avoidance (dollars)
FY23 Documents Scanned Statistic
During FY23, 40,272 documents were scanned into the case management systems (Portal, GPEDS and TRIM system) utilized by the Board to make parole decisions.
40,272 documents
FY23 Archived Files Imaged Statistic
There were 185 active lifer offender parole files scanned and 11,423 archived files imaged during the fiscal year. There are approximately 137,568 archived files remaining to be imaged.
11,423 files
FY23 New Direction Recovery Program Referrals Statistic
For FY23, fifty-five (55) parolees were referred to the New Direction Recovery Program. As of June 30, 2023, 50 parolees had graduated from the program during the fiscal year and were returned to parole supervision.
55 referrals vs. 50 graduates
FY23 Annual Cost Avoidance Statistic
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 319 million dollars for FY23. The fiscal year cost avoidance is calculated based on the FY23 cost per day to incarcerate a state inmate in Georgia ($59.14) compared to the community supervision cost per day ($2.67).
$319.0M
FY23 Incarceration Cost Per Day Statistic
The FY23 cost per day to incarcerate a state inmate in Georgia was $59.14 (most recent Ga. Dept. of Corrections' cost per day).
$59.14
FY23 Community Supervision Cost Per Day Statistic
The FY23 community supervision cost per day was $2.67.
$2.67
FY23 Victim Phone Calls Handled Statistic
In FY23, 10,694 phone calls from or to victims were fielded by staff.
10,694 calls
FY23 Victim Correspondence Sent Statistic
In FY23, 31,596 outgoing correspondences were sent to victims in response to concerns.
31,596 correspondences
FY23 Victim Correspondence Received Statistic
In FY23, 10,355 correspondences were received from victims and filed with the office.
10,355 correspondences
FY23 New GA-V.I.P. Registrants Statistic
For FY23, there were 3,561 new GA-V.I.P. registrants.
3,561 registrants
FY23 GA-V.I.P. Victim Calls Logged Statistic
In FY23, 4,379 phone calls from victims were logged into the GA-V.I.P. system. The system made 3,051 calls to victims.
4,379 calls vs. 3,051 outgoing calls to victims
FY23 Victim Offender Dialogues Completed Statistic
In fiscal year (FY) 2023, three VOD dialogues were initiated and completed. Seven more dialogues are in the process to be completed in FY 2024.
3 dialogues
FY23 Victim Impact Sessions Conducted Statistic
In FY23, eight (8) Victim Impact Sessions were conducted. The sessions were conducted in the Towaliga, Eastern, Atlanta, Blue Ridge, Chattahoochee, Appalachian, Enotah, and Flint judicial circuits.
8 sessions
FY23 Full-Time Employees Statistic
The State Board of Pardons and Paroles employed 175 full-time employees in FY2023: 51 sworn and 124 non-sworn.
175 employees
FY23 Staff by Race/Ethnicity Statistic
Staff by race/ethnicity in FY23: Black 99, White 72, Asian 3, Other 1. The agency employs 11 U.S. military veterans.
99 Black employees vs. 72 White employees
FY23 Sworn Staff Training Hours Statistic
In FY23, sworn staff completed 5,010 training hours. Sworn staff must complete a minimum of 20 hours annually which includes mandatory firearms requalification, use of deadly force and De-escalation and Community Policing training.
5,010 hours
FY23 Non-Sworn Staff Training Hours Statistic
In FY23, non-sworn staff completed 2,415 training hours. Non-sworn staff must complete a minimum of eight hours of training annually.
2,415 hours
FY23 Training Hours Delivered by Parole Training Office Statistic
In FY23, the Parole Training Office delivered 1,617 training hours.
1,617 hours
FY23 Total Expenditures Statistic
Total expenditures for FY2023 were $19,049,254.35.
$19.0M
FY23 Personal Services Expenditures Statistic
Personal Services expenditures for FY2023 were $16,475,647.46, representing 86.5% of total expenditures.
$16.5M
FY23 State Funds Expenditures Statistic
State Funds expenditures for FY2023 were $18,894,679.32.
$18.9M
FY23 Federal Funds Expenditures Statistic
Federal Funds expenditures for FY2023 were $103,712.24.
$103,712
FY23 Other Funds Expenditures Statistic
Other Funds expenditures for FY2023 were $50,862.79.
$50,863
FY23 Clemency Decisions Program Expenditures Statistic
Clemency Decisions program expenditures for FY2023 were $16,068,823.23, representing 84.2353% of total budget.
$16.1M
FY23 Board Administration Expenditures Statistic
Board Administration program expenditures for FY2023 were $2,291,325.02, representing 12.0767% of total budget.
$2.3M
FY23 Victim Services Program Expenditures Statistic
Victim Services program expenditures for FY2023 were $689,106.10, representing 3.6880% of total budget.
$689,106
Georgia Inmate Population Approximately 49,000 Statistic
Today, with an inmate population at approximately 49,000, the Board still consists of five voting members.
49,000 inmates
Average Time Served for Life Sentences in FY2023 Statistic
In FY 2023, the average time served on a life sentence prior to a release was 28 years. In 1973, life-sentenced inmates convicted of serious violent felonies served less than nine years in prison, on average. By the year 2000, the average had increased to more than 15 years. By 2010, the average time served was nearly 20 years.
28 years
Crime Severity Level Changes for Gang Activity and Arson Policy
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. Adopted changes took effect July 1, 2023.
Parole Decision Guidelines Revalidation Policy
The revalidation process of the Parole Board's guidelines occurred during FY 2023. Prior to adopting changes to the guidelines in June, Parole Board Leadership engaged several groups allowing stakeholder input. Meetings were held with the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (GACDL), the Georgia Council of Superior Court Judges and the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia.
Board Established in 1943 Legal fact
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.
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.
Parole Introduced in 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.
Board Sole Authority for Death Sentence Commutation 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 commute a death sentence to life with or without the possibility of parole, issue a stay or deny clemency.
Board Members Appointed to Seven-Year 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. Board Members are full-time state employees from various professions including criminal justice and private business.
Three Votes Required for Parole Decision Legal fact
A majority of three votes is required to grant or deny parole. Other votes may also be required for each individual parole case.
Life Sentence Parole 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.
Life Sentence Parole Eligibility Statutory Changes 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 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 on/after July 1, 2006, the offender is eligible for parole after serving 30 years.
Sex Offender Pardon 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 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.
2015 Pardon Victim Notification Law 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 regarding all applications received.
SB174 Commutation Provision Legal fact
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.
72-Hour Statutory Notification Requirement Legal fact
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)
90-Day Serious Violent Felony Notification Legal fact
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. (O.C.G.A. § 17-10-6.1) & (O.C.G.A. § 42-9-43(c) (1))
Victim Notification Statute Legal fact
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)
Automatic Revocation Statute Legal fact
A 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.
CAU Risk Level Rating Accuracy Statistic
For FY23, CAU audits revealed 99.3% accuracy in rating on Risk Levels and 99% accuracy in rating on CSL (crime severity levels). 10 cases were required to be resubmitted to the Board following CAU audits.
99.3%
Parole Hearings Not Held Policy
Parole hearings are not held. However, each offender entering the Georgia prison system is interviewed by parole staff. The Board also actively solicits input and accepts pleas for and protests of clemency throughout the consideration process.
GPEDS Electronic Case Management Policy
The process of preparing a case for consideration by the Board is completed electronically in GPEDS (Georgia Parole Evidence-based Data System). 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. Now all parole eligible inmate cases in Georgia may be voted electronically by the Board.
Performance Incentive Credit Program Policy
The Georgia Department of Corrections operates an inmate Performance Incentive Credit (PIC) program. By completing rehabilitative programming while incarcerated, state inmates can work toward an earlier possible parole release. The Parole Board determines which parole eligible inmates who have earned PIC may be allowed an earlier release on parole. Each PIC point equals one month that a TPM can be changed to an earlier date.
New Direction Recovery Program Policy
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.
Victim Offender Dialogue Program Policy
The Victim Offender Dialogue (VOD) program provides an opportunity for victims of violent crime to have a safe, structured, one-on-one meeting with the offender who committed the crime. VOD can only be initiated by the victim. Additionally, the offender must agree to participate, and must acknowledge his/her role in the crime and that he/she will not receive special consideration by the Board for participating.
Victim Support Partners Program Policy
The Victim Support Partners (VSPs) program represents a comprehensive network spanning across the entire state, consisting of crime victims registered with the Georgia Office of Victim Services. The dedicated victim volunteers spend time to offer aid, counsel, and solace to fellow crime victims throughout the post-conviction phase.
Victim Impact Sessions Program Policy
Victim Impact Sessions (VIS) allow victims whose offender is within twelve to eighteen months of parole consideration to discuss their case in a close-knit setting with a Board Member, a GOVS staff member, and a senior hearing examiner. By focusing on cases soon to be reviewed for parole consideration, the Board is receiving up to date and timely information from both the victim and the district attorney.
GA-V.I.P. Victim Information System Policy
The Georgia Victim Information Program, GA-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 offenders. Upon registering, victims are issued a PIN (Personal Identification Number). When accessing the system (1-800-593-9474), victims can learn the status of the offender.
Interstate Compact Membership Policy
The State Board of Pardons and Paroles, in FY23, 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.
District Operations Managers Structure Policy
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.
Clemency Investigator Staffing Statistic
Fifty-nine (59) investigators work in the Clemency Division. Thirty-eight (38) investigators are assigned to the field and predominantly 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.
59 investigators
Parole Releases Declined as Prison Admissions Increased Trend
Parole releases decreased during FY23, as prison admissions increased. During FY23, the Parole Board released 5,863 offenders from prison. This total represented 382 fewer parole board-initiated releases from the previous fiscal year.
Life Sentence Time Served Increasing Trend 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 2023, the average time served was 28 years.
Parole Revocations Declining Trend Trend
Parole revocations have declined from 2,720 in FY19 to 1,552 in FY23, with decreases in most fiscal years.
PIC Awards Declining Trend Trend
PIC awards have declined from 37,012 in FY19 to 26,855 in FY23.
Cost Avoidance Declining Trend Trend
Annual cost avoidance has declined from $433 million in FY19 to $319 million in FY23. FY22 was $376 million, FY21 was $404 million, FY20 was $399 million.
Parole Releases Declining Trend FY19-FY23 Trend
Parole releases have declined from 10,429 in FY19 to 5,863 in FY23, with decreases in each fiscal year.
Georgia Parole Success Rate Exceeds National Average Finding
Georgia's parole success rate has again eclipsed the national average by an estimated 13%. At a seventy (70) plus percentage rate of success, Georgia's parole system ranks among the nation's leaders and remains a model for other states.
Board is #1 Paroling Authority in the Nation Finding
The report states: 'We maintain that we are the Number 1 Paroling Authority in the Nation.'
GOVS Receives Crime Victim Service Award Finding
In FY23, GOVS was given the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council's Georgia Crime Victim Service Collaborative and Innovative Project Award. The award was shared with the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia (PAC). It was given for the Victim Impact Sessions (VIS) conducted by GOVS and hosted by prosecutors across the state.
Terry Barnard Quote on Responsibility Quote
I have had an awesome responsibility and a debt of humility to work for you as your Board Chair. What a team we have, and I'm still honored.
David Herring Quote on Board Staff Quote
It's an honor to serve on this board and in this capacity. This board does not make this agency, the staff members make this agency and I truly believe that.
Tim Ward Quote on Parole Board Role Quote
The Parole Board has an important role in Georgia's criminal justice system. During my tenure as the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections, the agency and the Board worked closely together to serve Georgia communities and keep families safe. I pledge to make informed decisions when determining which eligible offenders are deserving of parole.
Jacqueline Bunn Quote on Victim Impact Quote
As the Board makes clemency decisions, public safety is one prong of that process. Victim impact is another prong. It is imperative that victims' concerns are heard throughout the criminal justice process.
DA Sosebee Quote on Victim Impact Sessions Quote
Meeting with these victims was significant for many reasons, but especially in that it allowed the victims to have a voice and to be heard. This collaboration with the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles assists the District Attorney's Office in its mission to Seek Justice, Serve Justice, and Do Justice.
David Herring Quote on Victims Quote
We must never forget that victims are at the center of the criminal justice system, and we must do everything we can to ensure that their voices are heard, and their rights are protected.
Meg Heap Quote on Gang Information Quote
Bringing together law enforcement is resulting in stronger communication and can greatly enhance the amount of information we receive on offenders with gang ties. The Board is extremely interested in this information which is a factor when considering an offender's parole. Gang members will find it harder to be paroled in Georgia.
Rita Rocker Quote on Anti-Gang Efforts Quote
We recognize the importance of the work you do to help bring justice and healing to those affected by the criminal activity of gangs.
Chris Barnett Quote on Anti-Gang Efforts Quote
Being a part of Georgia's Anti-Gang efforts allows the Georgia Parole Board to connect with the officers in the community, share information with the Board, and continue to enhance public safety.
Jacqueline Bunn Quote on Attorney Understanding Quote
To effectively navigate the criminal justice process, attorneys and judges need a keen understanding of the parole board's authority, responsibility, and processes. Attorneys representing offenders and judges sentencing offenders can both provide useful information to the Board to help ensure its decisions contribute to public safety.
Chris Barnett Quote on Warden Engagement Quote
The information we were able to provide the wardens and prison staff will help them prepare offenders for future successes. The Parole Board, the Department of Corrections, and Department of Community Supervision are working in unison to improve public safety through successful offender outcomes.
Chris Barnett Quote on Stakeholders Quote
These stakeholders are important to parole decision making. They can provide the latest community views regarding offender cases.
Chris Barnett Quote on Offender Engagement Quote
The Parole Board encourages the offender population to excel and become 'parole ready.' These graduates are making a statement that they can work and succeed in life. The Board Members view this type of achievement in a positive way.
Chris Barnett Quote on Guideline Revalidation Quote
By engaging those who represent offenders, as well as prosecutors and judges, a greater community view is achieved as we seek to update the parole guideline system.
Terry Barnard Quote on Warden Partnership Quote
The Department of Corrections and the wardens are key partners of the Parole Board. The wardens and counselors are the corrections staff who know the offenders best and their information is important if we are to make informed parole decisions.
Meg Heap Quote on Warden Engagement Quote
Certainly, as board members, we need to know when an offender is doing well and when they're not. Today's engagement with the wardens will strengthen that necessary relationship which will benefit public safety.
Chris Barnett Quote on Electronic Pardon Process Quote
Our pardon process presentation highlighted the advancements we've made over the past several years including moving to an electronic format which is far more efficient and effective. The result are pardons for deserving offenders who in turn can continue to be productive citizens.
Terry Barnard Quote on DCS Relationship Quote
The professional relationship the Parole Board has with the Department of Community Supervision (DCS) is excellent and maintaining that level of communication and cooperation is very important to public safety.
Chris Barnett Quote on GPACS Engagement Quote
Engaging the GPACS members allows the Board to continue working in unison with the Department of Community Supervision and the Department of Corrections. Successful reentry can't be accomplished without this strong partnership.
Jaquel Moody Quote on Georgia Victim Services Quote
I walked away inspired and motivated by their programs and their people! I would love to see this as a plenary or keynote presentation.
Terry Barnard Chair Letter on 80th Anniversary Finding
This is a significant year for the Board in that it was 80-years ago that the agency was created through legislation and a landmark amendment to the State Constitution. As our recognition of this monumental milestone began this year, you will read more about it in the FY 2024 report next year as we mark the event throughout 2023.
Terry Barnard Chair Letter on Gang Severity Increase Finding
In FY 2023, we updated our parole decision guidelines. One change is reflective of our state's effort to combat gangs as we increased the crime severity level for criminal street gang convictions which will negatively impact parole chances for those participating in these crimes.
Offender Engagement Facilities Visited Case detail
Board staff including voting Board Members engaged offenders at Lee Arrendale State Prison, Colwell Probation Detention Center, Rutledge State Prison, Metro Reentry Facility, Macon Day Reporting Center (DRC), Gainesville DRC, and Central State Prison, among others.
Anti-Gang Network Regional Meetings Attended Case detail
Parole attended regional meetings of Georgia's Anti-Gang Network in Savannah, Columbus, Griffin, Athens, and Cherokee County during FY2023.
Parole 101 Presentations Delivered Case detail
Staff made presentations in FY 2023 to the following: the Atlanta Bar, District 10 of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office, the Georgia Professional Association of Community Supervision and at the Georgia Prison Wardens' Association Conference.
Victim Impact Sessions by Judicial Circuit Case detail
During the fiscal year, Victim Impact Sessions included victims from the following judicial circuits: Brunswick and Eastern Judicial Circuits (Chair Terry Barnard); Atlanta and Flint Judicial Circuits (Vice Chair Jacqueline Bunn); Appalachian, Blue Ridge, Enotah, and Northeastern Judicial Circuits (Board Member David Herring); Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit (Board Member Meg Heap); Towaliga Judicial Circuit (Board Member Brian Owens).
GOVS National Conference Presentations Case detail
GOVS presented Georgia's Unique Approach to serving crime victims post-conviction at the National Association of Victim Assistance in Corrections conference in New Hampshire; presented at Fulton County's Victim Advocate Master Training; participated in Georgia College & State University Victimology and Senior Seminars; and participated in presentations to District Attorney Offices across the state.
National Crime Victims' Rights Week Events Case detail
The Georgia Office of Victim Services (GOVS) conducted their most successful week of events for National Crime Victims' Rights Week in April 2023. They included a symposium at Georgia State University, 'A Conversation on Victims' Rights.'
Timothy Ward Appointed to Board Case detail
In January of 2023, Governor Brian Kemp appointed Timothy C. Ward to the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. Ward is the former commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections. Ward filled the vacancy on the five-member board as Member Brian Owens' term ended. Governor Kemp had previously appointed Ward as the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections in 2019. Ward's career with the Department of Corrections began in 1992.
FY2024 Board Leadership Elected Case detail
At the June 2023 monthly meeting, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles elected a chair and vice chair for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. Terry Barnard was elected to serve as chair for the Georgia Parole Board from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. David Herring was elected vice chair for FY 2024.
Parole Completion Rate Data Source Methodology note
The parole completion rates chart cites national figures from the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Georgia's completion rate is shown as approximately 70% for FY23, while the U.S.A. rate is shown as approximately 57%.
Cost Avoidance Calculation Methodology Methodology note
The fiscal year cost avoidance is calculated based on the FY23 cost per day to incarcerate a state inmate in Georgia ($59.14) compared to the community supervision cost per day ($2.67).
Parole Decision Guidelines Rating System 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 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.
Tentative Parole Month Process Policy
A Tentative Parole Month (TPM) is set when three of the five board members agree on a specific amount of time that the offender should serve before being granted parole. 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.
Final Review Process Policy
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 because of the offender not completing required programming, prison misconduct, or because of detainers, warrants or new sentences. A release date that is set can be rescinded at any time prior to the release.
Critical Analysis Unit Mission Policy
The mission of the Critical Analysis Unit (CAU) is to investigate, prepare and submit specialized parole eligible cases to the Board for consideration and to support the operations of the Clemency Division through comprehensive audits, analysis and continuous training and development.
CAU Collaborates on Security Threat Groups Policy
The Critical Analysis 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 in order to provide Parole Board Members with critical case information prior to the parole decision.
Parole Violation Intermediate Sanctions Policy
The appropriate recommendations and enforcement of intermediate sanctions, such as treatment referral, administrative hearings, electronic monitoring, GPS monitoring, day reporting centers and parole detention centers result in the low percentage of technical parole violators being revoked and returned to prison. 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.
Video Conference Revocation Hearings 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. 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.
Pardon Definition and Requirements Legal fact
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. A pardon does not expunge, remove, or erase crimes from a person's criminal record.
Board Sole Authority for Executive Clemency Legal fact
The Board is the sole authority in the state to make informed decisions regarding which state inmates should be paroled, thereby ensuring that the state's prison beds are dedicated to the offenders who have committed the most serious crimes. In Georgia, the Parole Board holds the sole constitutional authority to grant executive clemency to a condemned inmate.
An Inmate Is Not Entitled to Parole Legal fact
An inmate is not entitled to parole, however by law; most are eligible for consideration and therefore must be considered by the Parole Board.
Board Members Have Discretion to Determine Clemency Legal fact
The Board Members have discretion to determine who receives clemency.
Parole Certificates Issued FY23 Statistic
In FY23, 3,897 parole certificates were issued.
3,897 certificates
Out-of-State Parole Orders FY23 Statistic
In FY23, 226 out-of-state parole orders were issued.
226 orders
Conditional Transfers FY23 Statistic
In FY23, 740 conditional transfers were issued.
740 transfers
Out-of-State Conditional Transfers FY23 Statistic
In FY23, 144 out-of-state conditional transfers were issued.
144 transfers
Supervised Reprieves FY23 Statistic
In FY23, 371 supervised reprieves were issued.
371 reprieves
Commutations FY23 Statistic
In FY23, 450 commutations were granted.
450 commutations
Medical Reprieves FY23 Statistic
In FY23, 16 medical reprieves were granted.
16 reprieves
Out-of-State ICE Orders FY23 Statistic
In FY23, 19 out-of-state ICE orders were issued.
19 orders
Total Guidelines Decisions FY23 Statistic
In FY23, 10,436 total guidelines decisions were made.
10,436 decisions
Restoration of Civil and Political Rights Granted FY23 Statistic
In FY23, 95 restorations of civil and political rights were granted (total including with and without firearms restored).
95 restorations
Pardon Grants FY23 Statistic
In FY23, 469 pardon grants were issued (total including with and without firearms restored).
469 pardons
Total Pardons and Restorations Granted FY23 Statistic
In FY23, total pardons and restorations granted was 564.
564 grants
Total Prison Releases by Parole FY23 Statistic
In FY23, total prison releases by parole was 5,863.
5,863 releases
Total Discharges from Parole FY23 Statistic
In FY23, total discharges from parole was 5,276.
5,276 discharges
Out-of-State Supervised Reprieves FY23 Statistic
In FY23, 0 out-of-state supervised reprieves were issued.
0 reprieves
FY23 Regular Operating Expenses Statistic
Regular Operating Expenses for FY2023 were $1,042,370.84, representing 5.47% of total expenditures.
$1.0M
FY23 Motor Vehicles Expenditures Statistic
Motor Vehicles expenditures for FY2023 were $149,424.48, representing 0.78% of total expenditures.
$149,424
FY23 Equipment Expenditures Statistic
Equipment expenditures for FY2023 were $32,202.78, representing 0.17% of total expenditures.
$32,203
FY23 Computer Charges Statistic
Computer Charges for FY2023 were $213,553.07, representing 1.12% of total expenditures.
$213,553
FY23 Real Estate Rentals Statistic
Real Estate Rentals for FY2023 were $426,973.08, representing 2.24% of total expenditures.
$426,973
FY23 Telecommunications Expenditures Statistic
Telecommunications expenditures for FY2023 were $160,369.45, representing 0.84% of total expenditures.
$160,369
FY23 Contracts Expenditures Statistic
Contracts expenditures for FY2023 were $445,393.19, representing 2.34% of total expenditures.
$445,393
FY23 County Jail Subsidy Statistic
County Jail Subsidy for FY2023 was $103,320.00, representing 0.54% of total expenditures.
$103,320
FY23 Total Budget Statistic
Total budget for FY2023 was $19,113,291.00.
$19.1M
FY23 Clemency Decisions Budget Statistic
Clemency Decisions program budget for FY2023 was $16,100,129.00.
$16.1M
FY23 Board Administration Budget Statistic
Board Administration program budget for FY2023 was $2,308,252.00.
$2.3M
FY23 Victim Services Budget Statistic
Victim Services program budget for FY2023 was $704,910.00.
$704,910
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.
American Probation and Parole Association
[organization]
Association of Paroling Authorities International
[organization]
B. Alison Sosebee
[person]
Board of Community Supervision
[organization]
Brian Kemp
[person]
Brian Owens
[person]
Bureau of Justice Statistics
[organization]
Central State Prison
[facility]
Chris Carr
[person]
Christopher L. Barnett
[person]
Clemency Division
[organization]
Colwell Probation Detention Center
[facility]
Criminal Data Exchange Board
[organization]
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
[organization]
Critical Analysis Unit
[program]
David J. Herring
[person]
Department of Community Supervision
[organization]
Field Services Division
[organization]
Gainesville Day Reporting Center
[facility]
Georgia Anti-Gang Network
[program]
Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police
[organization]
Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
[organization]
Georgia Commission on Family Violence
[organization]
Georgia Council of Superior Court Judges
[organization]
Georgia Crime Information Center
[organization]
Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
[organization]
Georgia Department of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice
[organization]
Georgia Department of Public Safety
[organization]
Georgia Diagnostic and Classification Prison
[facility]
Georgia Office of Victim Services
[organization]
Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council
[organization]
Georgia Prison Wardens' Association
[organization]
Georgia Professional Association of Community Supervision
[organization]
Georgia Sheriffs' Association
[organization]
Georgia Victim Information Program
[program]
GPEDS
[program]
ICE Rapid REPAT Program
[program]
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
[organization]
Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision
[organization]
Jacqueline Bunn
[person]
Jaquel Moody
[person]
Lee Arrendale State Prison
[facility]
Macon Day Reporting Center
[facility]
Meg Heap
[person]
Metro Reentry Facility
[facility]
Nathan Deal
[person]
National Association of Victim Assistance in Corrections
[organization]
National Crime Information Center
[organization]
National Organization for Victim Assistance
[organization]
New Direction Recovery Program
[program]
Parole Decision Guidelines Rating System
[program]
Performance Incentive Credit Program
[program]
Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia
[organization]
Rita Rocker
[person]
Rutledge State Prison
[facility]
Scott State Prison
[facility]
Senate Bill 174
[legislation]
Sexual Offender Registration Review Board
[organization]
State Board of Pardons and Paroles
[organization]
Terry E. Barnard
[person]
Timothy C. Ward
[person]
Treutlen Probation Detention Center
[facility]
Victim Impact Sessions
[program]
Victim Offender Dialogue Program
[program]
Victim Support Partners
[program]