Georgia parole review [Fall 2005]

Fall 2005
Georgia Parole Review

43rd Parole Officer Basic Class
The 43rd class began July 11th as the largest class in the history of the Parole Board. These new parole officers successfully completed all requirements of basic training. Effective September 6th the officers returned to twenty-three district offices throughout the state to assume a caseload.

The size of this class reflects the diligent work of the Board and the senior management team to obtain authorization from the Governor and the General Assembly to fund parole officer positions, an accomplishment worthy of recognition. The 43rd Basic Class did more than their share to help the Public Affairs Office promote the work of the agency. They were visited by media on three different occasions. Macon's WMGT featured them on the evening news; the Macon Telegraph and the Houston Home Journal newspapers also featured stories on the class. The graduation ceremony was a memorable occasion for the graduates and all who attended. Supreme Court Justice Harold Melton was the keynote speaker. Director of Parole Beth Oxford read a letter from Governor Perdue and Vice Chairman Hunt and Mr. Hammonds were both on hand to congratulate the class.
James M. Smith received the Academic Award and the Steve Bowers Award, Blake H. Lewis received the Performance Award; and Nathaniel B. Barnes, Timothy Hamil, and Christopher Goodwill received 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place firearms awards, respectively.

Pictures evoking a bit of nostalgia for certified staff who cannot forget the weeks of training, studying, practical exercises, and fun at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center.

The 43rd Basic Training Class would like to encourage classmate Bobby Viers (right with crutches ) who injured his Achilles during training to persevere!
Bobby Viers was hired as a parole officer in the Lafayette Parole Office in August 2004. He was unable to attend the 42nd Basic Parole Officer Training Class due to a family crisis. He began the 43rd Basic Parole Officer Training Class and was halfway through the course when he tore his Achilles Tendon. According to Chief Parole Officer Harris Childers, Bobby is currently undergoing physical therapy, but the Lafayette Parole Office is anxiously awaiting his return.

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A Message from Ms. Buckner
I have been a fortunate member of the Pardons and Paroles team for eight months now, and I can sincerely tell you that each day has been a great adventure. The responsibilities of this agency is one of great need for public safety of citizens and visitors to this State, as well as one of service providers to victims and their families, and a conduit for successful community re-entry for parolees. Those three items are key to the economic growth of Georgia. I am Blessed to work with four colleagues who conduct sincere deliberations on each clemency decision placed before them. Chairman Nix, Vice-Chairman Hunt, Mr. Hammonds, and Dr. Walker are true role models who I look to each day for guidance and to learn from them. Director Oxford and her Division Directors and Work Unit Managers provide leadership for all of us in this agency to emulate. I have been most impressed in my short tenure here with the front-line employees who diligently work to enhance the integrity of this agency through their professionalism and work ethic that is exhibited every day.
Special thanks to the often-unheralded Dispositions Unit whose work is the first step for our deliberations, yet they work without a great deal of recognition. This group of men and women are a tremendously hard-working team who takes their responsibilities very seriously.
To our Parole Officers, their supervisors and support staff, who deal with parolees and their families, thank you for the dedication you bring to these jobs to assist in making a successful transition to the community for returning parolees, while keeping public safety at the front of your work-process. I am very pleased with the abilities illustrated in securing employment, substance abuse, and/or mental health treatment for the parolees. Your ambition in assisting these folks' transition into law-abiding, tax-paying citizens is commendable, and one that I would put into competition with any other parole agency in the nation.
I am excited about the changes taking place in our Victim Services Division. Those who have been victimized must have a voice and a place to share their concerns. It is laudable that our agency recognizes specific needs of victims and their families, and seeks to have their stories and concerns documented for consideration in our decision-making process.
Thank you for welcoming me as a part of Your Team! I am looking forward to a long, productive partnership with each of you. I welcome and value any input you may have for how our agency can continue to excel in our mission of public safety.
Greetings...
Chairman Milton E. "Buddy" Nix, Jr.
Your Board Members are keenly aware of the challenging responsibilities you face every day in balancing accountability and transitional assistance. You have our support, admiration, and gratitude for the commitment you give to this agency.
Vice Chairman Garland R . Hunt The workload of the Board has continuously increased over the last year, but the spirit of excellence exemplified among the staff has remained the same. It is humbling to know how much work has taken place before a file makes its way to the Board. Your dedication and commitment help the Board carry out our mission of enhancing public safety by making informed parole decisions and transitioning offenders back into the community. Your loyalty, support, hard work, and dedication make Georgia's Parole Board a leader in this field. Many thanks to each of you for doing your part to keep us ahead.
Garfield Hammonds, Jr.
The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles is viewed nationally as the leader in the administration of executive clemency. The success of our agency is the result of the dedication to duty and outstanding contributions made by our employees. I would like to thank each and everyone of you that enable the Board to ensure the safety and security of Georgia citizens. Your vision and commitment to our mission is unprecedented.
Dr. Eugene P. Walker
What makes the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles stand out in the field of community corrections? The emphasis and commitment our personnel place on successful transition of parolees. Providing offenders with the structure, tools, and referrals they need to transition to law-abiding, self-sufficient citizens make are communities safer and reduces the number of inmates returning to the prison system. We owe a debt of gratitude to our employees who work very hard to ensure that public safety and risk reduction are what we are about.

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The Board spreads the word about the Faith-Based Initiative
Mr. Nix shakes the hand of a parolee at the Refuge of Hope, a residential Christian program in Quitman, Georgia. Mr. Nix visited Homerville on the same trip where he spoke with local ministers and officials about the Board's Faith-Based Initiative. Ms. Buckner and Mr. Hunt have made similar trips and the Board plans to continue visiting communities around the state to garner support for the program.

David Egan browses through books donated to Homerville by Dr. Charles Chapman , pastor of Faith Baptist Church in LaGrange.

The Parole Board and the Department of Corrections join forces to better serve victims

The Parole Board's Office of Victim Services has combined with the Department of Corrections Office of Victim Services, forming one office designed to provide a seamless flow of information and assistance to victims and victims' families. On June 1, 2005, Lyndall Doxey and Jeff Lacks, formerly employees of the Department of Corrections Office of Victim Services, officially joined the Board's staff. The Victim Services/Interstate Compact suite on the 14th floor of the East Tower was remodeled to accommodate the expansion.
Director of Victim Services, Shalandra D. Robertson (front left) poses with all of her staff, Eydie Callan (far left), Sandra Coles (left center), Beverly New (center right), Lyndall Doxey (far right), Jeff Lacks (front right)

Lena Baker, the only female ever executed in Georgia's electric chair, is granted a posthumous pardon

Mr. Hunt (center) presents the pardon to Lena Baker's great- nephew, Roosevelt Curry (right) and relative Charles McElveen, Mr. Nix (far right) Mr. Hammonds (left from Mr. Hunt) Ms. Buckner and Dr. Walker (far right)

Lena Baker was convicted of murder in Randolph County on August 14, 1944. She was sentenced to death by electrocution. The sentence was carried out on March 5, 1945, at Georgia State Prison in Reidsville. In honor of her family, the Board granted a posthumous pardon to Lena Baker, concluding that her case was one that called out for mercy. The Baker pardon was only the third pardon to be granted posthumously by the Board in the 62-year history of the agency.

"Hats off" to the Lawrenceville parole office for providing an excellent demonstration of the Board's proactive approach to crime deterrence. Over the last six months they have confiscated 271.9 grams of methamphetamines, 18 grams of cocaine, $5,784.00 (from a single parolee) and weapons.
Congratulations to Assistant Chief Parole Officer Robert Corn, Parole Officer John Grantham, and Parole Officer Brian Lane who received an official Commendation from Lieutenant Jerry Palmer, the Director of Hall County Emergency Services. On June 13, 2005, while on their way to make an arrest, the three Gainesville parole officers came upon a car accident that had just occurred. Unfortunately, the accident resulted in a fatality. The officers called 911, directed
traffic until emergency personnel arrived, and kept a tragic situation from becoming chaotic. Lieutenant Palmer stated that the officers were extremely helpful and he greatly appreciated their assistance.

Spotlight

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Check this out! Mr. Nix keeps his skills sharp. He shot a perfect score during re-qualifications in June. Officer safety continues to be one of his highest priorities.

Graduations
Darryl Gumz (Jefferson) Master of Science, Criminal Justice, the University of Cincinnati, June 2005

Derrick Hill (RET) Bachelor of Science, Networking Communications, DeVry University, June 2005 (Honors) Tonia Macon (Dalton) Associate of Arts, Biblical Studies, North Carolina College of Theology, June 2005 Bernadette Powe (Albany) currently pursuing a Master of Education, Troy State University ( GPA 3.5) Heather Ramsey (Brunswick) Master of Education, Troy State University, May 2005 (GPA 3.9) Mike Rico (Savannah) Security Forces Apprentice Course, US Air Force Air Education & Training Command (Distinguished Graduate)

New arrivals:
Morgan Flint, born 03/16/05 to Craig and Lashonda Flint, brother A. Craig II Andrew Massey born 05/31/05 to Mark and Heather Massey, brother Cole James Luke Smith born 06/07/05 to Michelle and William Smith, brother Worth Cameron Burney born 07/25/05 to La Tarris and DeMarcus Burney Zoe Grace Burrell born 08/17/05 to Phil and Nancy Burrell, sisters Madison and Kylee Mia Grace Morrow born 09/22/05 to Kenneth and Maria Morrow
In Memory of Carl Deer
Senior Parole Officer Carl Deer died of lung cancer on June 24,2005. He was 61 years old . He worked at the Jesup parole office for nine years.

Retirements
Jeannean Boyd and Marie McElveen 01/01/05 George Johnson and Gladys Wood 02/01/05 Janice Jarrell and Jefferson Coker 03/01/05 David Griffin and Raymond Smith 04/01/05 Joan Murray 05/01/05 Michael Fleming 06/01/05 Michael Glisson 06/16/05 Linda Powell and Patricia (Cissy) Worley 07/01/05 Carl Jackson, Emily Chancey, and Randy Michael 08/01/05 Joyce Smith, Robert Akin, and Michael Sullivan 10/01/05

Parolees on the Road to Success

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The parolees recognized below are commended for their accomplishments on parole and so are their parole officers. Their success is our success. The result is increased public safety. Successful supervision is the result of collaboration between the parolee and the parole officer. The parole officer is charged with certain duties to ensure that parolees are transitioning in a manner consistent with the safety of the community. The parolee must follow the directives intended to bring about positive change and lead to law-abiding selfsufficiency.

So far this year, parole officers have made over 422,500 face to face contacts with parolees.

You will notice certain common elements in these stories, such as stable residence, employment, and connections to pro-social activities, all proven to increase the likelihood of success.

Sahareazade Taylor of Albany, GA. credits her parole officer, Latasha Coley, with putting the idea in her head that she could change. Ms. Taylor had some problems while under supervision. According to Ms. Taylor, "PO Coley put me in jail, made me take drug screens, and made me take treatment but still treated me as a human being and kept telling me I could change." Ms. Taylor completed her parole supervision in August of 2003. She has not used drugs since her last drug test with PO Coley close to four years ago. She works as a receptionist at the local community service board treatment program. In her own words she has "gotten her life together."

In 1987, a 21-year-old man by the name of Torrace Galmer made the mistake of his life. As a result, he served eight years in prison. He was paroled during August of 1994. He responded well to parole supervision between 1994 and 2001. Mr. Galmer made some major accomplishments. He married, started a family, and turned his life over to God. Early in 2001, Mr. Galmer came to the realization that he needed education and a marketable skill to change his position in life. He contacted the Fatherhood Initiative Program. With their assistance he was able to attend Valdosta Technical College and obtain a CDL. Mr. Galmer went to work as a truck driver immediately upon graduating. He enjoys the work and stated that it provides him with a level of income that provides satisfactorily for his family's needs. Mr. Galmer has spoken with younger parolees advising them that education was the path to a successful life change for him. Parole officer Mike Kelly said that Mr. Galmer is one of the finest people that he has dealt with in his 23 years as a parole officer.

Roy Burgess's case exemplifies the adverse conditions which many of our parolees face upon being released. He was paroled in October of 2001. He had no employment, no money and no family support. He was able to maintain his sobriety in a home environment that was less than conducive. He successfully completed electronic monitoring with no violations. Parole Officer April Moore assisted Mr. Burgess in getting placed in a residential program. There, Mr. Burgess was guaranteed a stable residence and recovery support. He became very active while in the program and the center's Board selected him to be the Houseman/Manager. Mr. Burgess eventually obtained his driver's license while he was in the program, purchased a vehicle, and helped transport other program resident to their jobs.

Mr. Burgess also completed a five-month Reasoning and Rehabilitation cognitive skills program early during his supervision period. As of today, Mr. Burgess is working full-time on a job that he obtained in April of 2002. He has mended his estranged relationship with his children and has a bright future ahead of him. The chief parole officer in his district describes him as an asset to the community.

Parole Officer Cliff Bagwell is reluctant to accept any credit for the transformation that Malcom Alexander Williams has made while under his supervision. Mr. Alexander was paroled during July 2001. His supervision has been virtually violation free. He obtained employment as a forklift driver four years ago and a second job as an assistant manager in a fast food restaurant three years ago. Currently, in addition to his work and family life, Mr. Williams is attending school where he is making progress toward an associate degree in Marketing Management. He works, owns a home, attends church, and is taking strides toward upgrading his education and skill level. Cliff stated that "he is a parolee that I can hope that perhaps I made a small contribution toward his new life."

Charles Quinn's parole officer says, "He is one of the best parolees I've had in the 20 years that I have seen in this line of work." Mr. Quinn was paroled in June of 2001. He became employed on August 19th of that year and has not missed a day of work since being hired. He has received numerous attendance awards which he proudly displays on the wall at his home. He has no violations at all and reports like clockwork each month. Mr. Quinn has been working on his "wheat penny" collection in his spare time and has recently completed the collection.

The Parole Association of Georgia to host conference in Savannah, GA.
October 26-28, 2005

This year's theme is: "Training for a safer Georgia"
Schedule of Events: Wednesday
Travel Day Registration 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Hospitality 9:00 p.m. 12:00 a.m. (DJ/Karaoke)
Thursday
Breakfast Buffet Training All Day Awards Luncheon Dance 9:00 p.m.-12:00 A.m. (live band and costume party)
Friday
Breakfast PAOG Membership Meeting Training (Dismissal 12:00 p.m.)

2004-2005 Parole Association Officers and Regional Representatives from left to right top: Regina Chester, Metro Rep., Terri Ricker, Central Office Rep., Brad West, Northeast Rep., Mike Bobo, Southeast Rep., Jeff Cutchens, Southwest Rep., Pamela Pangle, Northwest Rep., Tamara Stubbs, Hospitality Committee, Melanie Eblin, Sergeant At Arms, left to right bottom: Kitty Ulmer, secretary, April Moore, 2nd Vice -President, Marcus Smith, President, Susan Waters, 1st Vice-President, Patty Butler, Treasurer, James "Bubba" Williams, not pictured, Central Rep.

The Parole Association of Georgia (PAOG) would like to invite all parole staff to become members. There are 371 PAOG Activities

members currently, the highest number we've had in recent years.

Employee of the

In addition to sponsoring the conference, an enormous labor of love, the Association is busy with other activities Year Award

throughout the year and we would love to have your support and participation.

Contributor to

The PAOG was formed and duly organized on June 27, 1979, in Atlanta, Georgia.

GPSTC Memorial

The Association is governed by a Board of Directors which consists of a President, First Vice President, Second Fund

Vice President, Treasurer, and Region Representatives. The officers are elected from their respective regions of Contributor to

the state through a statewide election process.

Peace Officer's

The PAOG is a non-profit professional association open to all parole staff currently employed or honorably re- Memorial Fund

tired within the state of Georgia.

Benevolence Fund

To learn more about the PAOG, please contact your Regional Representative or one of the Board of Directors. Open enrollment runs from November 15th through January 31st.

Scholarship Fund

John Prince (2nd from left) of the Jesup parole office participated in the May 11, 2005 Peace Officer's Memorial Motor Cycle Ride on behalf of the PAOG.

The PAOG is currently selling raffle tickets on this beautiful Harley Davidson Softail Deluxe. The proceeds will be used to sponsor some of the activities listed above.