Georgia parole review [Summer 2011]

GEORGIA PAROLE REVIEW
Summer 2011

Parole Board Re-Elects Leadership

At the May Parole Board meeting, Board Members re-elected Chairman James Donald and Vice Chairman Albert Murray to their leadership positions for a second term. Donald and Murray began their new terms July 1, 2011 and they will serve in these positions for the Fiscal Year 2012.

"I'd like to thank my colleagues again for their confidence and support. I'm always humbled by this leadership role. I think it's indicative of how special this Board is," said Donald. "Everybody has the highest respect for Georgia's Parole Board. It is what sets us apart, the strong experiential backgrounds that we all bring to the Board and we are in fact, as a board, as a parole department, painting outside the box," added Donald.

Donald was appointed to the Board in January 2009 after serving as the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections for five years. Donald says those around the country in the parole profession look at what Georgia's Board is doing, "with great anticipation."

Vice Chair Albert Murray and Chairman James Donald

"I want to tell you how proud I am to have another year as chairman and I promise you my 110% commitment and hope that we continue to grow as a Board not only professionally but friendship-wise," stated Donald.

Murray was appointed in May 2010, coming to the Board from the Department of Juvenile Justice, where he ended his tenure as the longest serving commissioner of that agency, serving more than six years.

Murray said he's once again thankful to be given the opportunity to serve as vice chairman.

"In my long career I've enjoyed many titles but never as special as the present title because it gives me the opportunity in 2011 to do some things I haven't done before, in a different kind of setting. I will continue to give it my all and make sure it is a priority in all that I do."

Board Member Gale Buckner at the Israel Police Command Center

Board Member Gale Buckner traveled back to Israel this spring, helping coordinate a visit for members of her church, Holly Creek Baptist Church in Chatsworth. She assisted her pastor, Danny Cochran in coordinating the trip. Buckner has made six trips to Israel, including as a member of the 2003 Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange (GILEE) program. Buckner is a former president of the International Association of Women Police.
"Reconnecting with the Israel National Police (INP) was a great opportunity to observe the enhancements to their Old City Command Center," stated Buckner. "We often think of INP responding only to terrorist activities, yet their common crimes such as assault, theft, and burglary, take up more than 90% of their resources," she added.

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Buckner was able to coordinate a visit for Cochran to the Command Center for Security in the Old City of Jerusalem. Cochran Board Member Gale Buckner with Israel National serves as chaplain for both the Chatsworth Police and the Murray Police Inspector Arich Cohn, center, and Pastor Danny County Sheriff's departments. Cochran, flanked by Israel National Police
GEORGIA PAROLE REVIEW

SUMMER 2011

Page 3

Board Member Robert Keller Educates Local Attorneys

In March, Parole Board Member Robert Keller addressed members of the Henry County Bar Association. He provided the attorneys with information regarding the parole process in Georgia, information he says can sometimes get complicated.

"The parole process in Georgia

has many steps," says Keller.

"We investigate the offender's

history, we use guidelines for recommending a number of months to be served before pa-

Parole Board Member Robert Keller speaks with members of the Henry County Bar Association.

roling an inmate, and then at the

end of that period, we look at him

years, serving from 1977-2004.

again to see if anything has

changed, before he is granted pa-

Although a prosecutor for many

role."

years, Keller says defense attorneys

need to know accurate information

Keller was Clayton County's Dis-

so their clients are not surprised by

trict Attorney for twenty seven

the process.

Keller's information was well received by the group.
During the meeting, Keller took questions on topics including mandatory minimum sentences, and Georgia's transitional centers, for inmates coming out of the prison system. Keller said he wholeheartedly supports alternative sentencing and treatment programs for non-violent offenders because they represent "frontend" solutions to prison overcrowding as opposed to "back end" solutions such as parole decisions. He says that can be achieved while keeping the public safe as well as lowering recidivism.
The state is currently looking at criminal justice reform as a result of the rising prison population.

Macon Parole Office Awarded Corrections' Partner of the Year

The Macon Parole Office is a 2010 Partner Agency of the Year Award recipient. Macon Parole Chief Tamara Stubbs received the honor at the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Annual Awards Ceremony, May 24, 2011.
GDC honors agencies that

ceived this award. The Macon Parole Office supervises more than 500 parolees with the average

Transitional Center (MTC). We conduct a Parole Orientation at the MTC every month. We also have a
great two-way communication with the counselors in finding and approving suitable residences in Macon for upcoming releasees to reside."

partners with the Department to fulfill its mission.

Stubbs says the cooperation goes both ways. She says the

"Our mission is to protect

MTC provides her office an

and serve the public and on

inmate each week to clean the

this day we honor those who have excelled at helping us accomplish this mission. The common thread

office and the center has loaned her office their van on occasion to assist with transporting parol-

among our honorees is that they did not achieve their

Macon Parole Chief Tamara Stubbs and Corrections' award recipients. Also shown left; Rep. Jay Neal, GDC Commis-

success by accident," stated sioner Brian Owens and far right State Personnel Commis-

ees to Final Hearings. Stubbs says it is just a few examples of the cooperation with GDC's

GDC Commissioner Brian sioner Joe Doyle

Macon Transitional Center that

Owens. "The award you are

her office enjoys and aides each

receiving is a reflection of your

caseload per officer of 85-90.

agency in meeting their missions.

commitment to this agency." Owens

called it a, "Job well done!"

Stubbs says, "It (award) is a result

"I'm appreciative of this recognition

This is the second consecutive year of the on-going working relation-

and very proud of my entire office,"

the Macon Parole Office has re-

ship we have with GDC's Macon

states Stubbs.

A Busy Summer for Parole

April, May, June and July; it has been a busy summer as parole officers have joined other law enforcement across the state serving warrants and checking supervision compliance, all an effort to keep the public safer.

safety," said Director of Parole Michael Nail. "It is evident that we all are more successful in carrying out our respective missions by working together. At the end of the day, it's all about making our communities safer."

"Details like Operation Neighborhood Sweep are instrumental in fighting and deterring crime," affirmed Macon Police Chief Mike Burns. "Joining forces with other law enforcement agencies around the state enhances our reach and effectiveness. The results are impressive and we appreciate the expertise and professionalism of our partners."

A few days later in Columbus, six parolees were

arrested as the Columbus Parole Office teamed

with the Columbus Probation Community Impact

Program (CIP) and Columbus police April 20,

Officers from Parole, Probation and the Macon Police Department get instructions for Operation Neighborhood Sweep. Shown: Macon Parole Officer Walker Reddick and Parole Officers Charles Arnold and Lamario Harris from Warner Robbins.

2011, to serve more than two dozen warrants during the one-day operation.
On May 19th, 2011, Operation Nightrider II was conducted by the South Metro Parole Center, ATF

Operation Neighborhood Sweep took place April 14-16 in Macon. The Macon three day warrant sweep was held in collaboration with the Macon Police Department, and the Department of Corrections' Probation Officers. Six parolees were arrested out of the 80 total arrests made. There were 38 Probation staff and 6 Parole staff from the Macon Parole Office who participated.

Task Force Officers and the US Marshals Service. There were approximately 18 officers participating, divided into three teams. The operation focused on the cities of College Park, Union City, and Fair-
burn. The mission of the operation was to conduct compliance checks and serve warrants on parolees suspected of being in possession of weapons and other contraband.

The Objective of the

26 compliance checks

operation was to

were conducted and

heighten law enforce-

seven warrants were

ment presence, crime

attempted producing

reduction efforts and to

two arrests. Seven pa-

execute any outstanding

rolees were in violation

warrants.

of their curfew. One

"Operations of this type

Macon Parole Chief Tamara Stubbs looks on as officers working during Operation Neighborhood Sweep serve warrants.

speak directly to our

parolee was found in possession of ammunition. All others were in

core mission of public

compliance.

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GEORGIA PAROLE REVIEW

SUMMER 2011

Busy Summer, continued....

"Once again, our officers represented the very best that our agency has to offer, and that we can and will continue to contribute to public safety by holding our parolees accountable," said Michael Nail, Director of Parole.

One parolee who was searched stated, "We all know y'all are coming to check. It's not if, it's when."

The relationship being built between Pardons and Paroles, the ATF Task Force and US Marshals Service, and many local agencies, makes large scale operations, such as this one, successful.

Operation Storm was a special joint operation that

included the Clayton County Sheriff's Office, the

Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force of the US

Marshals, the Morrow Probation Office and the

Jonesboro Parole Office. The operation was con-

ducted in response to illegal activity and also to

serve outstanding warrants. The operation was

conducted over three days from June 13, 2011,

through June 15, 2011, and covered the entire

Metro Atlanta region. A total of over 50 officers

participated in the operation. Officers were divided

into two teams

that began serving warrants each day at 5

One parolee who was searched stated, "We all know y'all are coming to

a.m. More than check. It's not if, it's when."

twenty arrests

were made, in-

cluding four parolees.

Parole and Probation officers assisted the Richmond County Sheriff's Department in July verifying the addresses of 285 sex offenders. Augusta Parole Chief Derek Singleton and Senior Parole Officers Amanda Cannady and Maxwell Smith worked with the Augusta Community Impact Program. Two offenders were not immediately located during the July 13th compliance sweep.

Collaboration with law enforcement partners ensures the safety of the public is not compromised, the Board's number one priority.
Cover photos: Parole Board meeting (top); Governor Deal announces criminal justice reform (left); Parole at conference (right); Macon operation (lower left); Board Member Keller and Vice Chair Murray and PO Michael Austin (lower right)

Page 5
Parole Officers Use Skills to Reach Youth
They're already headed down the wrong path and some, unfortunately are already headed to the Department of Corrections. However for most, their juvenile pasts can remain in the past as juvenile crime records are confidential in Georgia. So there's hope for them and to that end, Parole Officers from the South Metro Office were targeting these youth incarcerated at the Metro Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) and challenging them to avoid the state's adult correctional system. The Parole Officers spoke to the Life Skills Classes at Metro RYDC in April and while answering many questions, they told the youth they wanted no part of the Georgia Department of Corrections and therefore they should want to avoid ever having to report to a Parole Officer. The youth at the Juvenile Justice facility are ages 13-17. Dr. Koran Kanaifu, who teaches these classes at the RYDC says, "Youth at Metro RYDC make wrong decisions which can impact their entire lives." She says it's important for the youth to hear the information and she believes the officers and two parolees who also addressed the youth were able to reach at least some of her kids. Kanaifu says, "This is because while the youth are aware of their situation the information provided made the impact of their negative choices even more realistic."
Parolee Timothy Allen speaks to youth about wrong choices and where they can lead.

Albany Parole Officers are Positive Role Models

Parole officers from the Albany Parole Office served as positive role models at the "Operation Green Eggs and Ham" event in the Dougherty County Schools this spring.

Each year on the anni-

versary of Dr. Seuss'

Birthday (March 2),

schools across the

country celebrate with

"Read Across Amer-

ica." Chief Parole

Officer Leslie Lamb

has participated in the

past, reading to students at Lincoln Elementary Magnet

Albany Senior Parole Officer Paul Martins reads to elementary kids during the "Green Eggs and Ham Read Across America" program.

School. This year, several readers were unable to participate at the

last minute but Lamb called in the reinforcements.

"Three of my officers

joined me. They had been

out serving a warrant about

the same time I was check-

ing in with the librarian at

the school," said Lamb.

After Lamb found out

about the absent readers,

she called her officers and

asked them to stop by be-

fore they headed back to

the office. Senior Parole

Officer (SPO) Kris Walker,

SPO Phil Burrell and SPO

Paul Martins showed up to save the day. Lamb says

Albany Senior Parole Officer Kris Walker

despite many readers

throughout the day, "It's my understanding our officers were a fa-

vorite and a big hit."

Oh, and yes, "Operation Green Eggs and Ham" included just that for the kids for breakfast prior to the reading events.

Parole and Probation share space, save $$$
The Parole Board is eliminating office space leases where possible, an effort to optimize its resources, says Director of Parole Michael Nail. "It makes little sense to continue to pay leases when we have state owned office space available," stated Nail. "We will continue to look at areas where we can better utilize our resources while improving our overall operations." In a few locations, Parole Officers are now working side by side with State Probation Officers. One such move is in Gainesville, where the leased office was closed and parole officers are now working alongside probation officers in a Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC), state-owned facility. Other moves include relocating the parole offices in Rome and Augusta into GDC owned space. Other cost saving moves included closing the Louisville office. Parole Officers at this office are now working in the Augusta and Thomson Parole Offices. Additionally the Cuthbert Parole Office was closed with those officers now working in the Albany Parole Office.

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GEORGIA PAROLE REVIEW

SUMMER 2011

Page 7

Expansion of Sanctioning Program Benefits Georgia

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles is expanding a pilot project that puts parolees to work doing community service as a sanction instead of revoking their parole and returning them to prison. The pilot program began in the communities of Milledgeville, Gainesville, Columbus and Dalton. The program is expanding throughout the summer to communities across Georgia and involves hundreds of parolees who have committed low level violations of their supervision requirements.

"It isn't always necessary to revoke parole," says Lacienski. "Intermediate sanctions are usually very successful and often result in supervision requirements being met and maintained," he added.
Milledgeville Chief Parole Officer Bubba Williams has worked in his local area with GDOT for several years, providing the service as an intermediate sanction. He has taken the lead for Parole in the expansion to other parts of the state.

The Georgia Department of Transportation oversees the parolees who pick up trash and debris along the roadways and as the program is expanding, the parolees are helping out with mowing and trimming along Georgia's roads.

Jay Lacienski, Director of Field

Operations for the Board, says

the program offers the Board

another intermediate sanction it

can use to correct the behavior

of parolees who fail their super-

vision requirements.

Parolees participate in the intermediate

"Parolees can be sent to jail for a

sanctioning program to avoid jail time or revocation to prison.

period of time for failing a drug

test for example, but this pro-

gram allows us to possibly save "It costs the Department millions

that expense in some cases while of dollars every year to pick up

helping out another state agency litter along Georgia's 20,000

as well as helping improve the

miles of state and federal roads,"

overall appearance of our state," Georgia Department of Trans-

stated Lacienski. He says viola- portation State Maintenance En-

tions that could result in partici- gineer Eric Pitts says. "And

pation by a parolee may include frankly, we don't have enough

a first failed drug test, and re-

funding or manpower to do the

peated curfew violations, for

job as well as we would like.

example.

The parolees' help is invaluable," added Pitts.
GDOT Press Secretary David Spear says the department can always use the assistance and with continued budget reductions is finding the work by the parolees invaluable. GDOT provides transportation from local offices to the work sites in the state and provides equipment and safety gear for the parolees.
State Department of Transportation Board Member Jay Shaw of Lakeland, Georgia, one of the program's first and strongest advocates, says it is a perfect example of collaboration in which all benefit. "State probationers have been tremendously helpful to us in maintaining the safety and beauty of our roadsides. I am glad to see the Parole Board now being able to offer a similar program as a sanction for parolees." The program is operating in ten parole districts in Georgia and could be further expanded as necessary.
Monroe Senior Parole Officer Christina Carter with parolees participating in the sanctioning program

Georgia's Parole Board is Committed to Victims of Crime

Coinciding with National Crime Victims' Rights Week, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) held a Victims Visitors' Day at State Offices South at Tift College in Forsyth, April 11, 2011.
More than 100 victims of crime were able to meet with Board Members and agency representatives as well as state probation staff to discuss offender
Parole Board Chairman James Donald and Hear- cases.
ing Examiner Amber Samples address victim
concerns at the Victims Visitors' Day in Forsyth. The Victims Visi-
tors' Day coincided with the annual National Crime Victims' Rights Week ceremony and open house at State Offices South at Tift. Twelve state agencies participated in the multi-agency victim services partnership. Victims were able to learn about all the services offered by the state.
Parole Board Chairman James Donald took part in the roundtable discussion earlier in the day. He explained that holding face to face meetings is how victims can be heard as a part of the parole process. "Victims have a voice as the Board decides whether to grant an offender parole," stated Donald.

In addition to receiving information concerning the status of an offender during the Victims Visitors' Day, victims can register to receive future status notifications regarding the offender. The Department of Corrections and State Board of Pardons and Paroles' Office of Victim Services can be reached at 404-651-6668 or for more information on services provided please go to www.pap.state.ga.us.
Georgia's Parole Board fully supports crime victims as all five members attended the Victims Visitors' Day in Forsyth. Pictured are Vice Chairman Albert Murray, Member Gale Buckner, Member Robert Keller, Member Terry Barnard and Chairman James Donald.
National Night Out! Victim Services took part in National Night Out activities the week of July 31 August 4. Law enforcement including the Parole Board participated in activities to show support for public safety.

"Conducting these Victim Visitors' Day events is one of the most important ways we can demonstrate our commitment to victims and allow their input into their offender's case and decision making process," said Donald.

The Parole Board has conducted Victims Visitors' Days across the state since 2006, meeting with more than 1,000 victims.

Board Member Gale Buckner and staff discuss the event to ensure victims' needs are met.

Page 8

Monroe Parole Officers Kathryn Alexander and Michelle Vidal with Destiny Brown and Lisa Brown of Victim Services
GEORGIA PAROLE REVIEW

SUMMER 2011

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Parole Board Focuses on Reentry Services

The Parole Board has a new Reentry Coordinator charged with bringing together the Board's reentry services. Anita Cloud was named to the position in July. Cloud is a career employee for the Board. She started in Field Operations as a parole officer.

to work," added Donald. He says bringing together community resources and people who want to help is key.
As part of her duties, Cloud will lead a Parole and Corrections joint Reentry Coordinating Committee.
"We recognize that the reentry process must start when the offender first comes to the Department of Corrections," says Cloud.

Parole Board Chairman James Donald is keynote speaker at STAND, Incorporated's 2nd annual symposium, June 22nd. Standing to Achieve a New Direction is an Atlanta based nonprofit focusing on comprehensive services for reentry, HIV/AIDS and substance abuse intervention and prevention. Photos by George Bradley

Parole Board Chairman James Donald says, "Parole is really about reentry, successful reentry."

The Board is looking to continue to expand on services available through Faith Based organizations, linking community reentry initiatives with local clergy and volunteers.

"There needs to be

more options for felons

returning to our com-

munities," says Donald.

"The most important

factors to successful

reentry and sustaining

that success is meaning-

ful work and a suitable Parole Reentry Coordinator

place to live. But offenders must be willing

Anita Cloud at the STAND symposium

Columbus Senior Parole Officer Traci Pleasant goes over supervision requirements with a parolee on her caseload.
The agency also can assist with housing for some offenders if they qualify through the Reentry Partnership Housing Program and through THOR, Transitional Housing for Offender Reentry. More information about the housing programs can be found at www.pap.state.ga.us.
Chairman Donald tells GED graduates at Baldwin State Prison to have a plan when they are released and to serve others.

Preparing the Offenders for Reentry

Parole Board Chairman James Donald told probationers and parolees at the "New Beginnings" Re-Entry Forum, that "we are sick and tired of seeing you fail."
The forum, held at the Lindsey Street Baptist Church in Atlanta, June 30, 2011, is a monthly event organized by the U.S. Attorney (Northern District), Georgia Department of Corrections, Board of Pardons and Paroles and Community Voices at Morehouse School of Medicine. Program organizers, with support from local service providers, enable ex-offenders to identify organizations offering services to include employment, job skills training and entrepreneurship, education and health ser-

vices. The event helps offenders connect with the community services they need.
The event drew just over 60 offenders on probation or parole.

successful. He urged them not to make excuses. He challenged them to dream again and about what they want to do with their life. Donald said, "I dare you

Sally Yates, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District opened the meeting. Also speaking to offenders was Atlanta Police Chief George Turner. The Federal Drug Enforcement Agency and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Parolees, probationers and providers listen to Parole were also represented. Board Chairman James Donald at "New Beginnings."

Donald, the keynote speaker, told the audience that all of law enforcement wants them to be

not make that (prison bed) your legacy."

A New Beginning Starts Behind the Wall

Page 10

Parole Board Members are supportive of prison programming that assists inmates in learning skills and behaviors that will result in them being productive citizens once again upon their release. The Board knows the importance of preparing offenders with long prison sentences in the event they are someday released.

congratulated the group of graduates for embracing positive changes in their behavior.

July 13, 2011, eleven men graduated the "Just the Beginning" program for inmates serving life prison sentences at Rutledge State Prison in Columbus and Parole Board Vice Chairman Albert Murray spoke to the group.
"Change is forever and always necessary," Murray said as he

Parole Board Vice Chairman Albert Murray speaks to inmates serving life sentences.
Murray told the graduates they should hope and envision leaving the prison system one day, despite serving a life sentence.

He said the Board looks for potential, self improvement, meaningful change and progress when evaluating an inmate's parole potential. Murray encouraged them to not allow the graduation to be the end of their improvement.
The Parole Board granted 196 life-sentenced inmates parole in fiscal year 2011 and denied 628.
The "Just the Beginning" Lifer's program at Rutledge teaches the inmates to learn to take responsibility for the crime they committed, set future goals and have a plan for success if released from prison. The 6-month program also works to help inmates to correct behavioral problems and control emotions.
GEORGIA PAROLE REVIEW

SUMMER 2011

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Corrections' Day Reporting Centers Graduate Parolees

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles is committed to successful offender re-entry and that's why twenty four parolees are recent graduates of Day Reporting Centers operated by the Department of Corrections.
Three parolees were most recent graduates at the Atlanta Metro Day Reporting Center (DRC) June 8, 2011. DRCs target offenders who are about to be revoked back to

the state allowing approximately 13-hundred offenders to avoid the much more costly alternative of prison.
"That's a good size prison," says Donald. "A 13-hundred bed prison would cost about $80 million to build and another $30$40 million to operate each year," added Donald.
"We see the DRCs as another

added.
Donald encourages DRC graduates to return to the DRC for help should they encounter problems after graduation.
Although the cost is more than regular parole or probation supervision, a DRC is only a fraction of the cost of providing a residential alternative, and far
less costly than paying for a prison bed.

prison. DRCs provide

The program includes

intensive substance abuse

components such as

treatment for offenders

substance abuse coun-

sentenced by the courts

seling, cognitive re-

or who have not re-

structuring, adult ba-

sponded to more tradi-

sic education, em-

tional community super-

ployment enhance-

vision and treatment ef-

ment, intensive super-

forts. Failure at a DRC

vision and community

results in revocation pro-

service. An aftercare

ceedings against the of-

component follows

fender. At the Metro DRC

Metro DRC Graduates: (l-r) South Metro Parole Chief Ken Morrow, Chairman Donald, DRC Graduates Nick Clausell, Ramon Hughes & Randy Ellington, Parole Regional Director Joje Wilson-Gibbs, Parole

the on-site programming. Offenders as-

graduation, parolee

Reentry Coordinator Anita Cloud and Parole Officer Kindu Franklin signed to the program

Randy Ellington said the

are required to be em-

program has helped him under- way of dealing with people

ployed as soon as they have

stand that he had to let the past

we're not necessarily afraid of.

completed the initial orientation,

go, and turn toward opportuni-

We can save that $49 per day

assessment, diagnostics, and

ties. "It (past) was no one else's prison bed by working with the

programming.

fault but mine," stated Ellington parolee and supporting his reha-

as he spoke at the graduation.

bilitation."

"It was no one else's fault but

Through collaboration with GDC, parolees are now graduating in higher numbers from the

Donald says, "rehabilitation is a journey and long term." He says the Day Reporting Centers work

mine - DRC graduate Ellington
"Rehabilitation is a journey and long term" - Chairman Donald

DRCs. Since August 2010, GDC with the offender and keep the

has afforded up to ten slots per DRC for parolees.
Parole Board Chairman James Donald championed the expansion of DRC operations during his tenure as Commissioner of the Department of Corrections from 2003-2009.

offender with his family rather than locking them up and possibly further destabilizing families. At the same time, Donald says, its intensive supervision that allows for swift, certain and proportionate sanctions when necessary.

The day reporting program is generally 12 months in length, although that varies based upon the offender's performance. Intensive community supervision by parole, probation and law enforcement is constant through all phases of the program.

Thirteen DRCs operate across

"I think it's excellent," Donald

Fifteen New Parole Officers Join the Ranks

"As Board Members who consider granting parole to an offender, we do so knowing that the offender will be managed in the community at the highest possible level," said Parole Board Vice Chairman Albert Murray as he delivered the commencement address to the 52nd Basic Parole Officer Training Course. He added, "Georgia's Parole Board is nationally recognized primarily due to the quality level of supervision of offenders."
Fifteen new parole officers joined the Board's ranks statewide following the graduation ceremony in May held at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) in Forsyth.
Parole officers are classified as Georgia Peace Officers and must successfully complete an eight week Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.), Basic Training Course.
Course work includes supervision techniques, investigation procedures, intervention strategies, criminal and Georgia law, Parole Board policy and procedure, interview skills, physical fitness, arrest procedures, defensive tactics, computer interaction and firearms qualification. The training includes certification to use a Board issued service weapon.
Parole officers work to transition offenders back into the community using a balanced approach of surveillance and treatment intervention. Parole officers make scheduled and unscheduled visits to the parolees' residences, employers and treatment providers to ensure compliance.
The 52nd BPOTC includes a former state trooper, a former State Department security agent, a former school teacher and several with military experience.

Parole Board Vice Chairman Albert Murray told the new officers that their role is one that speaks to the agency's core mission of public safety.
Top Student, Academic & 2nd Place Firearms Award, Wayne Palmer, Moultrie; Performance Award, Reed Watson, South Metro; 1st Place Firearms Award, Heather Strickland, Douglasville; 3rd Place Firearms Award, Shekevia Thomas, DeKalb
52nd BOPTC

(Photo right l-r) Front Row - Macon PO Jay Ingrum,
DeKalb PO Shekevia Thomas, Columbus PO Danielle Stokes, Cordele PO Stephanie Edge, Columbus PO Blair Eastman and Vicky Rollins, Training
Second Row - Training Director Bert Flewellen, Moultrie PO Jamie Ross, Douglasville PO Heather Strickland, Conyers PO Akeia Keith, Moultrie PO Wayne Palmer, Gainesville PO Ashley Britt
Back Row - Griffin PO Michael Murphey, Adairsville PO Darryl Blanchard, Douglasville PO Reed Watson, Dalton PO Michael Austin, Americus PO Michael Reeves

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GEORGIA PAROLE REVIEW

SUMMER 2011

Page 13

Staff Training is Key to Public Safety

Parole officers participated in joint arrest training with members of the Albany Police Department Gang Unit, the Albany Police Department Uniform Division and Albany Probation on June 1 & 2, 2011.

The training was conducted by the Parole Board's Training Director Bert Flewellen.

Serving Parole Warrants is an important part of a parole officer's job and the training is essential. Flewellen says the joint arrest training makes sense as the Parole Board is ever increasing its collaboration with other law enforcement agencies in conducting joint operations to include serving fugitive warrants or conducting supervision compliance sweeps.

"It's an opportunity to be pro-active with training," says Flewellen.

"We know we are going to conduct these joint operations, so let's get

it down to a science and leave nothing to chance, especially when we

may be confronting someone who has the potential to be dangerous."

Albany Parole Officers train on joint arrest tactics with Corrections' and Albany police.

The classroom portion of the training included Board policies, state

and federal laws regarding searches, use of force, and tactical ways in

which to approach and search a building. The training

was informative for the other agency personnel as they Parole prepares for Crisis Intervention

learned more about what parole officers can and can't Georgia's parole officers are more prepared if do when attempting to gain access to a residence and called on to assist with mentally ill offenders. Crisis

the subsequent search. Field scenarios mimicked real Intervention Training (CIT) is a 40 hour course

world scenarios allowing the officers to work together. which teaches officers how to deal with those of-

Participants took turns in different roles including fill- fenders and how to de-escalate potentially volatile

ing the role of offender.

situations. Parole is taking part in training offered

by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Also in

Officers from probation and the Gang Unit appreciated May, parole officers participated in joint training by

that the Board provided the training. Parole Officer the Henry County Sheriff's Office. Sgt. Marc John-

Phil Burrell says he believes all three agencies bene- son says many law enforcement agencies are mak-

fited from the training and it will help them work to- ing the training mandatory. The training emphasizes

gether more effectively and in a safer environment treatment for the person over incarceration.

while serving warrants and providing public safety to

the citizens of Albany.

P.O.S.T. Certified staff must re-qualify with firearms two times a year.

Georgia Crisis Intervention Team Training at the Henry County Sheriff's Department May 16-20, 2011. Parole graduates are North Fulton Chief Parole Officer Felicia Holloway, Griffin Senior Parole Officer (SPO) Brandon Turner and North Fulton SPO Fanny Canales

Board Recognizes Parole Staff at July Board Meeting

Parole Board employees were recognized for their contributions to public safety during Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week, July 17-23, 2011. The Parole Board Members publicly thanked all of the agency's hardworking staff at the July 19, 2011, Board Meeting.

Parole Board Chairman James Donald stated that the work done by parole officers results in a safer Georgia. "Citizens of Georgia can rest well at night, and go about their day without fear, because of the great work our parole employees our doing in supervising offenders in our community," said Donald.

Representatives from across the agency attended the Board meeting to be recognized alongside the parole officers in the field, to include the Clemency staff and those in the various support offices.

Parole Board Members recognize parole staff during National Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week.

Board Member Robert Keller thanked the employees throughout central office and the; "Unsung heroes in Clemency," who prepare the cases for the Board Members to properly make informed decisions.

"As Board Members, we recognize that our success has been a team effort," stated Chairman Donald. "Without the dedication and commitment of our central office and field support staffs, we could not fulfill our core mission of public safety."

Director of Parole Michael Nail read aloud Governor Nathan

Deal's proclamation recognizing the week as "Probation,

Parole and Community Supervision Officers Week in Geor-

gia." During the week, field offices in Parole, held various

events including cookouts, to show appreciation for staff.

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles employs approxi-

Valdosta's finest! (l-r) Parole Officers Eric Bryant and Greg Connell; Assistant Chief Ladon Conner, Chief Willie Carswell, and Parole Officers Jeff Cuthens and Lance Walker

mately 300 parole officers

who supervise nearly 23,000 parolees annually in

Georgia. Average caseloads for a parole officer range

from 75-85 offenders.

Georgia's parole officers work with the offender on parole to establish that parolee in a stable home and work environment. A parole officer often serves as a counselor for the parolee, by providing necessary information helping the individual to continue to meet supervision requirements. Supervision techniques include surveillance and often include home and work site visits to ensure compliance by the offender.

Dublin Parole Office celebrates Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week

Page 14

GEORGIA PAROLE REVIEW

SUMMER 2011

Page 15

Agency Recognizes Employees with Quarterly Awards

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles recognized fifteen employees and a team at the agency's first quarterly awards ceremony August 4, 2011. Employees from Field Supervision, Clemency and Central Office received "Employee of the Quarter" certificates acknowledging their contributions to the agency's success and meeting its mission.
Parole Director Michael Nail told a packed audience that the day was about them. "I want you to know that although we are recognizing these employees today, you all are to be recognized for the work that you do, thank you," said Nail.

Clarksville Parole Investigator Lisa Densmore

Recognized for the first quarter from the Clemency Division were: Hearing Examiner Amber Samples, CONS Team 3 member Zanda Strong and Clarksville Parole Investigator Lisa Densmore. Field Supervision recognized Field Operations Officer Chris Barnett, Administrative Assistant Jan Moss and Thomaston Parole Officer Lori Massengale. First quarter recipients from the central office were Nhia Nguyen in Research, Evaluation and Technology and Destiny Brown of Victim Services.

(l-r) Board Member Robert Keller, Board Member Gale Buckner, Board Vice Chairman Albert Murray, Clemency Director Melodee Stewart, CONS member Zanda Strong, Board Chairman James Donald and Parole Director Michael Nail

Second quarter recipients for Clemency were: CONS Team 4 member Annie Avornyotse, Hearing Examiner Tabetha Rand, Gainesville Parole Investigator Terry Rosso, and Athens Parole Investigator Linda Griffin. The Field recognized Lily Perry in the Interstate Compact Unit, Rome Chief Parole Officer Phillip Shepherd and Jefferson Senior Parole Officer Ronda Matheny. The lone central office award went to a team; The Consolidated Banking Initiative Team.

Additionally, Field Supervision acknowledged the parole staff who assisted with tornado recovery in Georgia following the April storms.

At the ceremony, the Board also recognized staff with Faithful service Awards.
Parole employees attend first quarterly awards ceremony, August 4.

Rome Parole Chief Phillip Shepherd with Field Supervision Director Jay Lacienski, the Board and Director Nail

State Board of
Pardons and Paroles
Parole Review is published by the Public Affairs Office, Steve Hayes, Director
404-657-9450
www.pap.state.ga.us Webmaster@pap.state.ga.us

Our Mission To enhance public safety by making informed parole decisions and successfully transitioning offenders back
into the community.
Our Vision A parole system that leads to a safe Georgia.
Our Core Values We value Ethics, Integrity, Fairness and Honesty.

Fifth Floor, East Tower Floyd Veterans Memorial Building 2 Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive, S.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Parole is About Helping Communities

Georgia Parole Officers perform in the Special Olympics Torch Run. Shown: Albany Parole Officers Phil Burrell (left) and Rod Porter (right)

South Metro Parole Officer Katie Turner assists tornado damage recovery in her native Birmingham, Alabama.

Tornadoes ravaged the south in the spring claiming lives in several states including Georgia. Parole officers including Griffin PO Brandon Turner assisted recovery efforts in Northwest Georgia.

PAROLE PROMOTIONS

Patrick Freightman, promoted to Assistant Chief Parole Officer, Savannah Parole Office, effective August 15, 2011
Larry Morgan, promoted to Metro Regional Director, effective July 1, 2011
Chris Barnett, promoted to Senior Field Operations Officer, Central Office, effective June 1, 2011
Hank Harris, Jr., promoted to Chief Parole Officer, Hartwell, effective May 16, 2011
Vicky Dixon, promoted to Parole Investigator, Valdosta Parole Office, effective June 1, 2011

Solomon Barge, promoted to Field Operations Officer, Central Office, effective April 1, 2011
Denise Brown, promoted to Business Operations Specialist, Victim Services, effective March 1, 2011
Maryann Kelsey-Dillard, promoted to Compliance Auditor 2, Investigations and Compliance, effective March 1, 2011
Chris Kimner, promoted to Assistant Chief Parole Officer, DeKalb Parole Center, effective February 16, 2011

Richard Oleson, promoted to Program Manager 2, Central Office, effective March 1, 2011
Colleen Manthe, promoted to Assistant Chief Parole Officer, Lawrenceville Parole Office, effective May 16, 2011
Scott Maurer, promoted to Assistant Director of Research, Evaluation & Technology, effective May 16, 2011
James Kopp, promoted to Assistant Chief Parole Officer, Savannah Parole Office, effective April 16, 2011