SOP_NUMBER: 101.10
TITLE: Citizens Advisory Panel
DIVISION: Executive Division (Legal Services)
TOPIC_AREA: 101 Policy-Legal Services
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2019-12-23
WORD_COUNT: 513
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/264161
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/101.10/

SUMMARY:
This policy establishes a Citizens Advisory Panel consisting of up to nine volunteer members from diverse backgrounds who provide non-binding recommendations to the Commissioner regarding facility operations. Panel members are appointed by the Commissioner and represent cohorts including former offenders, former correctional officers, family members of offenders, re-entry partners, health service providers, and crime victims. The Panel meets quarterly and receives no travel reimbursement for their participation.

KEY_TOPICS: Citizens Advisory Panel, community advisory board, volunteer advisors, facility operations, Commissioner recommendations, stakeholder engagement, former offenders, crime victims, correctional oversight, re-entry partners, public input, GDC advisory committee

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FULL TEXT:
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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:** Citizens Advisory Panel|**Policy Name:** Citizens Advisory Panel|**Policy Name:** Citizens Advisory Panel|
|**Policy Number:** 101.10 <br>|**Effective Date:** 12/23/2019|**Page Number:** 1 of 2|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Executive Division<br>(Legal Services)<br>|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|



**I.** **Introduction and Summary:** The Commissioner shall establish a Citizens Advisory
Panel (Panel) made up of volunteer participants from diverse backgrounds who serve
as advisors to him regarding facility operational procedures. The recommendations of
the Panel shall be non-binding.


**II.** **Authority:** None.

**III.** **Definitions:** None.

**IV.** **Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:** This policy is applicable to all
Facilities, Centers, Units, and Offices operating under Georgia Department of
Corrections (GDC) management.

A. Panel Members:


1. The Panel shall be made up of no more than nine (9) members. Among the

members should be representatives of the following cohorts:


a. A former offender;

b. A former correctional officer;

c. Family members of current and/or former offenders, preferably including

at least one current male and one current female offender;

d. A representative from one of the GDC’s re-entry partners;

e. A representative from a governmental entity or non-profit organization

involved in providing physical or mental health services; and

f. A crime victim.


2. Each panel member shall be appointed by the Commissioner. The initial

members representing the cohorts identified in Subparagraphs (a) through (c)
of Paragraph (1) above shall serve terms of one (1) year. The initial members
representing the cohorts identified in Subparagraphs (d) and (e) shall serve


|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:** Citizens Advisory Panel|**Policy Name:** Citizens Advisory Panel|**Policy Name:** Citizens Advisory Panel|
|**Policy Number:** 101.10 <br>|**Effective Date:** 12/23/2019|**Page Number:** 2 of 2|
|**Authority:** <br>Commissioner<br>|**Originating Division:** <br>Executive Division<br>(Legal Services)<br>|**Access Listing:**<br>Level I: All Access<br>|



terms of two (2) years. The initial members representing the cohorts identified
in Subparagraph (f) and any other appointees shall serve terms of three (3)
years. Thereafter, each newly appointed member shall serve a term of two (2)
years.

3. Each member serves at the pleasure of the Commissioner and may be replaced

by the Commissioner at his or her sole discretion if he or she no longer
represents an enumerated cohort or if his or her continued participation no
longer benefits the GDC. The Commissioner may offer to extend the term or
service as required.

4. Member participation is voluntary, and Panel members are not entitled to

reimbursement of travel expenses for their participation.

B. Panel Meetings:


1. The Panel shall meet quarterly. At least one meeting per year shall include a

tour of a prison facility, a GCI plant, and/or a farm operation. New members
shall attend a training meeting at which the GDC will offer an orientation to its
operations, the function of the Panel and other topics deemed appropriate by
the Commissioner.

2. The agenda for each meeting shall be set at the discretion of the Commissioner.

Members are encouraged to recommend topics for discussion at least ten (10)
business days prior to each meeting.

**V.** **Attachments:** None.

**VI.** **Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:** None.