Report on parole [Vol. 1, no. 2 (Spring 1998)]

Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles

Vol. 1 No. 2 Spring 1998

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Inside

Chairman's message

2

Parolees go back to basics 3

Restorative Justice

6

Board seeks volunteers 8

Across the Board

10

Parolee success stories 14

At headquarters

16

Employee spotlight

18

Q&A

19

Parolees may pay costs 20

GED Instructor Gloria Carter checks the homework of a Decatur parolee and student.
Story on page 3

Message from Chairman Walter Ray

~~!~~{''''-'~ifNg:Jhe recent Legislative session which highlighted what's wrong with our criminal

@ justk@system, Georgians also gained the opportunity to learn what's right with it.
:::~:~ Gem::gb-with its two-strikes and "seven deadly sins" legislation- ranks as a national
.J!t....!~&~4~l: in tough sentencing; the state's offenders serve longer than national averages in
ali violent crime categories. Georgians learned that the state's parole system promotes

that philosophy by providing a finely tuned system of ensuring that prison bed space is

always available for those violent felons. Georgia Parole works.

Citizens learned about the comparative costs of criminal justice programs and

about the interdependency of courts, corrections, and parole. They saw what happened

when other states adopted drastic, unexamined measures to improve the system and

then discovered-too late-that those solutions created even greater problems.

During this period of heightened interest in criminal justice, the Board heightened

its communication with the public. In February we launched our Web site containing

detailed information about the parole decision-making process, supervision procedures,

time-served rules for parole eligibility, and victims services, among other topics. And

after many productive personal meetings with community, church, and criminal justice

groups around the state, we created a Victims and Community Council to advise us on

community and victims needs continually and to work with us to create effective

responses to those needs.

In this newsletter we report on two new projects-Restorative Justice and

Community Linkage-that respond to the community's desire to be a part of the crimi-

nal justice process. Restorative Justice is a network of programs and services which

raise the offender's accountability to victims and communities. The Community

Linkage volunteer program engages citizens in building a support network for offend-

ers working to construct productive, law-abiding lives. Both programs spring from the

same belief: the welfare of every individual in a community contributes to the well-

being of the whole community.

The Georgia State Parole Board has always been part of the solution to problems

of crime. Nationally recognized for its expert supervision of parolees, its outstanding

victims services, and its well researched, methodical, and conservative parole decision-

making, the Georgia Board serves as a model for paroling authorities. We intend to

remain a model and leader in the criminal justice community by continu-

"...an Informed and participatory public is essential not just in

ally raising the bar on our services to the state. Our agency responds to the needs and concerns of our fellow crimi-
nal justice practitioners, crime victims, and citizens with actions and programs not promises. Recently, during public debates on parole, we were heartened by the public's understanding and appreciation of our work.

supporting our public More than ever, we realize that an informed and participatory public is

safety programs, but

essential not just in supporting our public safety programs, but in developing those programs. Our coalitions with the community, victims, and

in developing those programs."

others will become stronger as we seek innovative and effective solutions to criminal justice issues. Now, on the threshold of the 21st century, the Board rededicates itself to the four elements comprising its mission: mak-

ing responsible, just, and equitable parole decisions; responding to the

needs and concerns of crime victims and their families; helping parolees

reach self-sufficiency and stable citizenship; and supervising parolees skillfully, quickly

returning to prison those who violate their release conditions.

Working together with other criminal justice professionals and with the

community, we are creating a safer Georgia.

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i<EPORT o'f>AR. 0 LE

Parolees go back to basics

0 n Tuesday and Thursday mornings, a group of DeKalb County parolees arrive early for their appointments at the Decatur Parole ................. Office. In the reception area, surrounded by other less enthusiastic

visitors, they wait anxiously to be beckoned past security doors to the con-

ference room where they silently pull out homework and textbooks and set-

tle into familiar seats. Parole officers, weapons strapped to their sides, stroll

in and out on their way to connecting offices. "That keeps the attention level

. .. . . .

high" jokes Instructor Gloria Carter.

"It astounds me that any student could

These dozen men and women are working toward their General Equivalency Diploma (GED) under their parole officers' mandate. "That gets them here," says

reach the 1Oth or 11th grade and be

Carter, "but only their desire to learn will keep them here."
"Some arrive with an attitude," she says. "They don't

functioning on 1st or 2nd grade level."

participate until they realize that the self-paced classes are non-threatening. Soon they surprise themselves by learning things they assumed were beyond them. That's when

they become hungry for more."

The typical parolee reports an educational level of 10.7 years but reads

at only the 7th grade level. Students in GED classes often score lower; many

rank at the 2nd or 3rd grade level in reading, spelling, and mathematics.

Those with greater needs are placed in literacy training before attempting

the GED program.

"It astounds me that any student could reach the 10th or 11th grade and

be functioning on 1st or 2nd grade level," Instructor Carter says. "Instead

of learning new subjects each year, they used all their creative energy

hiding what they didn't know."

Some studies have shown that offenders are particularly adept at compensating for their educational deficits. By participating in a street culture with its own vernacular and code of conduct, for example, the offender can mask comprehension and vocabulary problems that would be evident in other contexts. Sometimes an offender has manipulated his way through many difficult situations before admitting the need for help. "I never thought I had a problem," says one parolee who was operating on a 2nd grade reading level.
"Reading is the first thing to improve after just a few lessons and then math," Carter says. 'These are the subjects that most help parolees in finding and keeping a job and in dealing with society. Every two or three months I test each student so they can see how much progress they've made. The idea that drop-outs are not interested in education is just wrong; nothing thrills these students more than seeing that they've advanced a whole grade level."
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Parolees go back to basics

Adriana, a young woman who dropped out of high school to marry, says that

now she's "excited about learning. I never knew what I wanted to do or what I

could do, but I always wanted my diploma. Coming to these classes has made me

feel better about myself."

Cedric, who at 29 still looks like a teenager, dropped out of school in the lOth

grade but when he tried to return: "I had to jump through hoops and it just seemed

impossible- so I quit. But I always liked school and got along with my teachers."

Now that he realizes that he can get his GED Cedric is already planning his

next step; to enroll in DeKalb Tech to become a master mechanic. "I've had a serious

motorcycle accident, been to prison, and am almost 30," he says. "I think the wild

side is over now."

Another parolee, Calvin, reared by his grandmother in the Virgin Islands, quit

school in the 9th grade when his promising soccer career interfered with his studies.

"My grandmother was just sick when I did that," he says in his softly accented

English. Now, after three months of attending GED classes, he reports that he can

read better and pronounce words more clearly." I'm learning
"... what amazes me quickly." Like Cedric he wants to continue his education. "I want a

is how much I've

career in computers. It seems possible now because I have so much

more faith in myself."

learned about toler-

ance and understanding. I guess

I n the low-ceilinged basement apartment of a boarding house, footsteps overhead, Anthony completes his GED homework by a dim tungsten light. Sometimes his 12-year-old son studies with

that's what a real

him. "I realized pretty soon that I'd made a big mistake dropping

education iS about." out in the 11th grade," he says. "I went back when I was 19, trying

to finish, but got all I heard was 'What are you doing here, old man,

senior citizen?' Math was my hardest subject. I never learned multi-

plication tables and couldn't keep up with any math. While I was back at school I

got a lucky break, though. I won a citywide art contest and got a scholarship to the

Atlanta College of Art. When I finished there after three years, I could paint signs,

window displays, and wall murals. But I still couldn't multiply."

Anthony transformed his damp basement walls into a kaleidoscope of vivid images- the Atlanta skyline, tropical scenes- symbols of the bright future he envisions. "I want that GED for several reasons," he says. "One of those is practical so I can handle invoicing and filling out contracts for my work, and the other is personal; I want to feel successful on the inside."

Studies conducted by the federal government and by several states, including Virginia and Illinois, show a reduction in recidivism tied to increased education. The Georgia Parole Board Guidelines system rates inmates having an 8th grade or higher aptitude score as significantly more likely to complete parole successfully. And, across the state, parole officers observe the correlation between education and steady employment, which many criminal justice experts consider the major factor in successful reintegration to society.

"Parolees who can't follow directions at work usually quit or provoke others into firing them before asking for help," says Parole Chief Bob Dickenson. "That often triggers other problems such as substance abuse. The communication problem just gets worse in the computer age with more complex instructions and less human interaction. Those without basic education fall further and further away from mainstream society."
Calvin notes that education-and its by product, confidence- affects all levels of communication. "I react differently to situations," he says, "I'm not as touchy or easily offended. I've learned a lot about language and problem-solving in these classes but what amazes me is how much I've learned about tolerance and understanding. I guess that's what a real education is about."
Although Anthony earns his income by painting window displays and wall murals -like those he created for his apartment shown above- he needs basic math and language skills to help him market his work and negotiate contracts. Now he's filling in those educational gaps with a self-paced learning program. Parole officers establish an individualized case plan for each parolee which includes vocational and educational goals. Tying the educational upgrade directly to a vocational aim -like a promotion or entry into a trade program - increases the parolee's motivation to plow through homework assignments and the inevitable learning plateaus.

Restorative Justice Program empowers communities
:~:r\t olstered by a $100,000 grant from the Victims of Crime Act, the Parole Board 1i!i ::{::::now moves its Restorative Justice project from the drawing board to the com-
Jt.....)f munity. The funds allow the Board to hire a coordinator for each of the three
parole districts- Savannah, Fitzgerald, and the Gainesville/Clarkesville- chosen as test sites for the pilot study. Restorative Justice is the umbrella term for an array of programs and services that raise the offender's accountability to local communities while fostering the communities' participation in the criminal justice process. Although several states now use the model with probationers, Georgia is the first to try it with parolees.
The pilot districts will focus on three initiatives, according to Project Manager Dee Bell of the Board's Division of Community-Based Services which oversees the project.
"The first initiative is to work directly with victims and victim advocacy groups," says Bell. "On-site coordinators will gather information from victims for pre-parole investigations and will assist victims with particular questions or concerns. At the same time the coordinators will provide information about the Board and the parole process. From this continuous communication the coordinators will learn ways to assist the Board in improving services to victims."
Another focus of the Restorative Justice program is to build community advocacy by working with local organizations that express interest in crime prevention and
the criminal justice system. Coordinators will also build partnerships with community organizations to assist the parolee in reintegrating successfully into society. Citizen participants will help to find and document or, possibly, create some of those resources. "We see that the public wants to contribute to and improve the system - especially when it has direct impact on the quality of life in their communities," Bell says.
Fitzgerald Restorative Justice Coordinator David Durgin, {I to r) Gainesville/Clarkesville Coordinator Crystal Teasley, and Savannah Coordinator Dr. William Burnham Carter begin work on the Board's new community-based program (Dr. Carter, the first coordinator hired, is introduced more tully on page 12; complete introductions on other coordinators will appear in the next issue.)

Georgia is the first state to try the innovative program with parolees.
Left: Lowndes County District Attorney David Miller raises a question at the March 31 meeting of the Victims and Community Council. In the background is another council member, Dr. Gerald Durley of the Morehouse School of Medicine.
Inaugurating Restorative Community Work programs is the third goal of the pilot study. RCW is similar to others forms of community service work but more stringent in that the projects must be visible and significant to the community. Examples of these projects include restoring old community-use buildings, building handicapped-access ramps, or erecting community playgrounds or ball fields. Board officials say this community-works program will initially be used as a sanction for parolees who have violated technical conditions of their paroles.
Parole Director Charles Topetzes says the Restorative Justice Program is based on the concept that raising offender accountability is the primary course to restoring the public's faith in the criminal justice system. "Offenders will help repair some of the damage they've done to the community through work projects determined by victims. They will also be expected to 'repair' themselves by participating in rehabilitative programs such as substance abuse treatment and employment readiness programs which demonstrate further accountability to the community."
Agency planners say that Restorative Justice programs empower victims by allowing them to participate in, rather than just observe, criminal justice programs and procedures. At the same time, criminal justice agencies, through first-hand communication with communities, create more responsive services for victims and more effective programs for offenders seeking to reestablish themselves in the community.
"We are excited by this program." Director Topetzes says. "Every participant gains by it in different ways, yet the overall result is improved public safety for all."

Board seeks dedicated volunteers
;:: n March the Parole Board introi, duced the Community Linkage
?. Program, a citizen volunteer pro-
gram whose goal is to make neighborhoods safer by providing support services and encouragement to men and women released from prison to parole supervision. Initially the program will work with selected offenders returning to the greater Atlanta area from the Metro Transition Center for women and the men's institutions of Homerville, Whitworth (Hartwell), and the Atlanta Transition Center.
Program Coordinator Ruth Culley explains that each volunteer, called a Transition Coordinator or TC, will be matched with a designated offender for up to nine months. The volunteer will meet with the offender while still incarcerated to review the offender's employment strategy and to identify other resources needed for survival. During this pre-release period of approximately three months, the Transition Coordinator clarifies parole conditions for the offender and discusses other post-release support systems, such as family counseling and relapse prevention groups.
During the first week after the offender's release from prison, the Transition Coordinator and parolee will confer daily. "We know from research and observation that the offender is particularly vulnerable and disoriented from making the big shift from confinement to freedom. The TC will be a partner and guide during that critical first week as the parolee returns

to the community, reports to a parole officer, and starts to work toward lawful self-sufficiency."
The volunteer and offender will work together for a maximum of six months after release from prison, during which time the TC will document the parolee's progress to the supervising parole officer. "The volunteer program enhances the goal of parole supervision," Culley says, "which is to get the parolee established in a responsible lifestyle. The Transition Coordinator will help the parolee solve problems and sustain commitment to building a better life.
"We set a six-month post-release working relationship because experts agree this is the most critical period for the offender's successful reintegration to society," Culley explains. "We also felt that definite time lines help to focus and intensify a working relationship. We know from previous experience, however, that volunteers will identify and establish other support services for the offender that will last much longer. Those ongoing ties will form the network to help the offender successfully complete parole and to sustain a crime-free life. That's our ultimate goal."
Agency researchers will track the progress of participants to see if that goal is realized.
For more information contact Community Linkage Program Coordinator at 404- 657-9400.

Volunteer program enhances goals of supervision
In the chapel of the Atlanta Union Mission for women, Lucimar talks about her plans for returning to the community She has been a resident at the Mission's substance abuse program since her release on parole and now is within a week of her discharge from parole and the treatment center. Armed with new insight and coping mechanisms to help her deal with her drug dependency, she is determined to establish a new life. Wisely she has set up a network of friends and support activities to help her in the months ahead. Volunteers will be able to assist parolees like Lucimar who need a safety net while they practice new behaviors and struggle to redefine relationships with family and friends.
Parolee program gets expert evaluation
hile Cognitive Skills instructors prepare for spring classes, agency evaluators study 1997 classes to determine the program's effectiveness in reducing recidivism. Now working with the Board on that project is University of Cincinnati faculty member Dr. Patricia Ann Voorhis, a nationally recognized expert in criminal justice research with extensive experience in evaluating Cognitive-Skills programs. Board programmers report that the Cognitive Skills program has produced impressive initial results in changing offender attitude and behavior, but, to continue support, the agency must show its long-term value in reducing recidivism.

Across the Board
Brunswick neighbors prove helpful
Otis Clifton and Bob Elliott were struggling to keep an alcohol and drug outreach program going and looking for ways to encourage attendance when Clifton suddenly remembered his next door neighbor.
A barber for 20 years in Brunswick and a recovering alcoholic, Clifton operates out of Yawn's Barber Shop, at the corner of Union and Gloucester Streets. Located in the same block is the Brunswick Parole Office.
Clifton decided he and Elliott and their program could be of service to the released inmates supervised by parole officers.
Parole officers began encouraging some of its clients to participate in the Alcohol Chemical Treatment Series, or ACTS meetings, which are held every Monday night. The first hour of the two-hour meeting is spent discussing the havoc alcohol and drugs play on the human body, and the second hour of the meeting is the "spiritual" feeding, Elliott said.
The first hour is mandatory to complete the 12-part series, but the second hour is not.
"We're not here to convert anybody. We are here to help and if they want to come to our church, we won't keep them out," he added.
Clifton said parole officers have on several occasions brought a parolee next door to the barber shop where he works so he can talk with them directly about the ACTS program and encourage their attendance.
Clifton and Elliott say the program has produced some successes, including an individual who had a $1,500 a day cocaine and heroin habit and who has been drug free for two and a half years.
"We know we can't conquer the world, but we do know where they're at and what they're dealing with because we have been there," Elliott said.
ACTS is a self-supporting community-based substance abuse program presented by certified instructors. For information about ACTS meetings in other areas, call Bob Elliott at 912-265-6632. (Article submitted by Brunswick Parole Officer Diana Person.)
South Georgia sheriffs observe final hearings
On February 23, 1998, Parole Board Member Dr. Betty Ann Cook, assisted by Field Operations Officer Richard Oleson and Director of Inspections and Internal Security Charles Andrews, conducted final hearings at the Thomas County (Thomasville) Courthouse. What made this hearing day unique was the audience: Thomas County Sheriff R. Carlton Powell, Colquitt County Sheriff Jack Lanier, and Seminole County Sheriff Jerry Godby had all come to learn more about Board procedure on parole violators. After observing the hearings (and appreciating the decisions), they discussed parole over lunch with Dr. Cook and parole officers. Chief VanLandingham says the hearings went smoothly thanks to the work of Chief Leslie Lamb and Parole Officers Michelle Autry, Matt Littleton, and Perry Price of the Cairo Parole Office. Also providing security were Assistant Chief Billy Lane and Parole Officers Alice Bass, Oscar Black, Tim Streets, and Stephen Highsmith. Parole Investigator Judy Ethredge and Secretary II Karen Autrey of District #27 observed the hearings.
Chief VanLandingham and his far-South Georgia colleagues say they applaud the Board members who "take to the field" for final hearings, saving parole officers lengthy travel time and security problems. "But more than that," he adds, "we appreciate the increased good will that such personal visits engender among local authorities. That's what makes our work easier."

Jesup experiments with specialized supervision techniques
Last October the Jesus Parole Office (District #16) began a Parole Officer Specialization Pilot Project which assigns parole officers as either "Intervention Officers" (IO) or "Violation Officers." (VO). Intervention Officers conduct initial processing, develop intervention plans, and conduct required interactions. They also impose low-level sanctions such as verbal reprimands and letters of reprimand.
Cases requiring higher-level sanctions for violations are referred to the Violation Officer for Administrative Hearings or Delinquent Reports recommending . non-revocation actions (EM, Temporary Confinement, or Information Only DRs). The Intervention Officer retains supervision custody of the parolee but now has the benefit of a "partner" to form a supervision team for the case. However, absconders and parolees recommended for revocation are transferred from the IO's caseload to that of the Violations Officer. This specialization procedure allows the Intervention Officer to focus on intervention activities and other constructive efforts to assist parolees even with high caseloads and increased violations. Violations officers can concentrate on violation process and enforcement of conditions without the customary conflict between violations and interventions.
While modifications and refinements are ongoing, the new process has already produced increased interactions and more timely responses to violations during a period of high caseloads and reduced staff. For more information contact Chief Gary Crosby at District 16.
Fitzgerald project involves parolee families
Chief George Johnson reports on a family parole orientation program that the Fitzgerald office(District 18) began nearly a year ago. Prior to an offender's release on parole, the parole office sends a letter to the person or family with whom that parolee will be living. The letter is an invitation to meet with the parole chief and other parolee families to discuss parole matters of common interest such as parole conditions, electronic monitoring, and parole officer responsibilities. George also explains how the residence-providers will be affected by having a parolee in the household, and how they can assist both the parole officer and the parolee. The informal meetings emphasize that the family members are part of the team that prevents the parolee from returning to prison. Twelve parolees have had representatives in the program that so far has included four meetings. Of those, none has been revoked.
Senior Citizens program helps parole office
The Fitzgerald Parole Office recently became a participant in the Title V Senior Citizens Employment Program. The federally funded program promotes useful part-time employment in community service assignments for persons 55 or older with a limited income. The employee, whose benefits are fully paid by the federal grant, works a maximum of 20 hours per week. The program includes training, assisting, and promoting the transition of its enrollees into unsubsidized employment when available. The placements are available only to non-profit agencies.
Mrs. Atha Lee Troup, a life-long Fitzgerald resident, began working in the parole office in February 1998. She files, answers the phone, greets visitors, and handles other general office duties. The energetic Mrs. Troup, who will be 74 this July, also works two other part-time jobs. She was previously placed by Title V with Behavior Health Services in Ben Hill County and worked there nine years with Robbi King, before Robbi transferred to the parole office.
Continued next page

Chief George Johnson says the Fitzgerald office is delighted with their new "federal" employee. "She brings energy and vitality to the office. It is a pleasure to have her and her pleasant, outgoing, energetic personality in our office."
Other parole offices may want to look into this resource, which looks like a win-win arrangement for all involved.
Criminal justice pro returns as volunteer
Tom Rendino recently retired as Chief of the United States Probation Office in Savannah but, being a workaholic by nature, he was soon asking if he could do some volunteer work in the Savannah Parole office. Chief Jay Lacienski said that he quickly agreed to the proposal"after getting over the initial shock that someone would want to work for us for free." Since January Tom has been assisting parole officers with their pre-parole social background investigations by collecting required information and dictating completed reports. "His wealth of experience with federal probation is really an asset for our office," Jay says. "He takes a great amount of investigative work off of the officers allowing them to concentrate more closely on their supervision duties. We all think he's one in a million!"
Savannah hires Restorative Justice Coordinator
The Savannah Parole Office hired Dr. William Burnham Carter as a Restorative Justice Coordinator, one of the three such positions allotted statewide for the pilot program. On March 16, 1998, Dr. Carter began developing the Board's Restorative Justice Program in a city already recognized for its victims' programs. For the last eleven years the new coordinator, who holds a Ph. D. in Behavioral Sciences, has been employed at Georgia Regional Hospital in Savannah as Senior Behavioral Specialist and Risk Management Advisor. Now he is eager to make the Restorative Justice Program work for the Board. His job duties include providing direct services to victims, victim advocates and victim organizations; developing communication between the community, victims, and our agency; and designing and directing a pilot program for a Reparative Work Program for certain administratively sanctioned parolees.
In-house substance abuse counseling aids parolees
The Savannah Parole Office has developed a close working relationship with their Substance Abuse Counseling provider, Recovery Place of Savannah. No wonder. Recovery Place Counselor Bill Shaw was formerly a SAC for the West Chatham Parole Office and understands that parole officers want immediate feedback on their parolees' progress. To provide it he set up his office in the Savannah Parole Office, where he performs all SAC assessments and conducts drug/ alcohol counseling groups. Bill is allowed time during staff meetings to voice and hear concerns about his clients and program as well as provide insightful comments about the referred parolees.
Parole Team gets two-night TV focus
The Savannah Parole Office Electronic Monitoring Team of Assistant Chief Demetra Bush, EM Specialists Tom Cadwallader and Cheri Anderson appeared on Savannah's WJCL TV22 News in February as part of a two-part series on parole supervision in Savannah which, according to local critics, was positive and played like an episode of "Cops". Cameras followed the team as they drove to parolees' homes, used their drive-by EM units, and entered data on-site with their laptop computers. The team conducted two drug screens and when one parolee tested

positive for cocaine, the parole officers arrested him on the spot. Chief Jay Lacienski said the series presented an accurate account of the parole officer's day-to-day work and revealed to the community the Board's law-enforcement approach to supervision.
Valdosta Parole Staff continues its community role
The Valdosta Parole Office staff remains active in the South Georgians for Victims Justice Group, a group whose focus is to draw community awareness to victims of crimes. During the organization's October 1997 election, Parole Officer Steve Jaramillo was elected president and Mary Pearce was elected treasurer. Last December Parole Officers Jeff Cutchens and Greg Connell coordinated and participated in the Victims Justice Group golf tournament. Other Valdosta staff members working to make the tournament a success were LaDon Conner, Mary Pearce, Steve Jaramillo, Sandra McGlamery, Barbara Corbitt and Willie Carswell. From the Cordele office came the tournament cooks- Jim Vick and Tom Brender. Jerry Farrow of the Cuthbert office and Bill Lane of the Moultrie office both made the long drive to participate in the tournament and reportedly didn't allow the bad weather to hinder their golf swings. Although it was held on a cold, dreary day, the tournament raised $1,271.66 to help local crime victims. Such fund raisers have provided direct support to victims of crime, including three children who were victims of sexual abuse, and a rape victim.
Now the Parole office staff is planning events for the National Victim Rights Week, which will be April19 through April25. The 1998 theme is "Victims Rights is Right for America," and among the scheduled events will be another golf tournament on April25. Parole employees are invited to participate in this event which directly benefits crime victims. Later, in May, parole officers are planning another event to raise money for the Child Advocacy Center.
Agencies work together to present domestic violence workshop
As a member of the Multi-Agency Domestic Task Force for Crisp and adjacent counties, Cordele Chief Parole Officer Jim Vick helped to plan a recent workshop on domestic violence. The March 17 event featured Linnea Wiseman, a national speaker on domestic violence, and included workshops on such topics as the effects of domestic violence on children, multi-cultural and spiritual sensitivity, laws pertaining to domestic violence, and individual and workplace responsibility.
Athens maintains the Christmas spirit
Last December, when Athens (District 4) Assistant Chief Marie O'Connor requested a referral for a needy family, Athens Social Services introduced her to a couple with three children aged two, seven, and nine years. The Athens parole office collected money and adopted the family for Christmas. Then they realized how much more help the family would need as they moved into their own apartment after a six-month stay at the shelter. The family had nothing- literally- but the clothes on their backs. Although the husband is now working, his salary doesn't go far to cover the family's needs so parole support continues. Parole staff say that part of their gratification for this project was learning that the two school-age children were recently named honor-roll students.

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F~EPo<r flPJ\"'0 l E

Parolee success stories

Metro region recognizes three outstanding parolees

Parolee Alex Yampolsky, supervised by Katrinka Glass, from District #29, North Fulton is a Russian and a parole transfer from Texas. He became addicted to heroin early in life and was in juvenile detention four times before graduating to an extensive adult addiction and related criminal career which resulted in 19 confinements. In January, after years of receiving 8 milligrams of methadone daily, Alex took his last dose. Recent drug screens have been negative for any substance abuse. After a life of crime and addiction, Alex now works as a carpet cleaner at Carpet Mist and also has a part-time job as a translator for Russia House, an Atlanta importer. He will be on parole until 2002.
William Perkins, supervised by South Dekalb (#36) P.O. Ray Collins was paroled on 8-12-96, and referred to Lutheran Ministries soon after. As a result of this placement program and his hard work, William was hired by Proto Grind Company, a waste reduction equipment manufacturer that makes industrial grinders for pulverizing construction and demolition waste. Rising quickly through company ranks, he is now highly valued supervisor.
William's success and rehabilitation were showcased in a TV News feature,

produced by Atlanta Newsman John Pruitt, which recently aired on WSB TV, Channel2.
George Cox was paroled on 7-18-95 to Eric Frasier's supervision at the South Dekalb Parole Office where, during his initial interview, he learned about the Private Industry Council and Lutheran Ministries. He participated in several work programs with Lutheran Ministries before securing employment with Your Bottom Line Computer Company in Norcross, Georgia in February, 1997. Although his knowledge of computers was limited, George seized the opportunity to achieve proficiency in the lucrative field of computer science. He began as an apprentice and quickly excelled, achieving numerous certifications, including the highly coveted A+ certification. Now as a certified computer technician, he changes hard drives, replaces hardware, installs programs, and maintains local area networks. Through his dedication George gained the trust and confidence of his employer and became a salaried employee. P.O. Frasier says that George is an excellent example of an offender using to full advantage the resources provided by parole.

Dahlonega parolees merit recognition

Parolee Eula Mae Chastain Parker, supervised by Dahlonega Parole Officer Mike Sims, recently spoke to shelter operators and women residents at the Blairsville S.A.F.E Battered Women's Shelter. She talked about domestic violence issues, including stalking, the battered women syndrome, and how current laws work both for and against battered women.

Dahlonega parolee Mike Karn, supervised by Assistant Chief Pat Calmes, has been under supervision since January 1996. Not only has he created a successful landscaping business but he's done it while single-handedly raising a child who suffers from Tourette's syndrome.

Columbus parolee is mentor
A Columbus parolee who has been supervised by both Jimmy lvey and Eric Knox, is now helping to guide others. Jimmy Ferrell, who was paroled last July, completed a substance abuse program and is now a part-time employee at the Rediscovery Substance Abuse Program. Rediscovery Director Milton Adams says that Jerry is a role model and mentor for new clients. He also works full-time with the Bradley Theater where supervisors describe him as their best employee. Jerry recently married and he and his wife are buying their first home.
Rome parolee serves the community
When Thomas Truelove was paroled to the Rome office in December 1994, he worked two jobs, one of them as a part-time firefighter at the Cave Spring Fire Department. His parole officer, Tim Strickland, says that his training and interest in firefighting led to a full time position in the prevention department of the Fulton County Fire Department,

where he has accumulated numerous certificates of training, achievement, and department awards. He has even been the "poster model" for a Fulton County fire prevention poster. P.O. Strickland says this case is a good example of the importance of transitional services. "Thomas gained firefighting training while in prison, then under parole went from part-time to full-time employment using this skill. Now he really contributes to the community as a productive, professional citizen."
Augusta parolee works hard to stay off public assistance
Renee Wright recently completed a parole that began in September 1995 at the District 24 Augusta office. During her parole she worked as a waitress at Applebees and held a second job at Toys R Us as a cashier and stocker. Renee supported her five childrenranging in age from eight to 13- as a single parent without benefit of any public assistance. Her persistence and responsible conduct earned her the respect of the Augusta office.

On March 3 the Parole Board honored by proclamation Mrs. Dot Pinkerton, director of the Lighthouse Prison Ministries in Macon. Since its founding in 1981, Lighthouse has helped offenders from across the state reestablish themselves with housing, jobs, and counseling services. Shown at the presentation ceremony are Macon Parole Center Chief Parole Officer Robert Akin, Mrs. Dot Pinkerton, and Central Regional Parole Director Caryl Deems. (Photo submitted by Central Regional Office)

At headquarters

BudgeVFiscal Unit
introduces new staff
You may have noticed a few staff changes in the Budget/Fiscal section. New staff members in the purchasing area, headed by April Morris, are Traci Johnson and Kim Snellings. The accounts payable and telecommunications areas, managed by Dorothy Tarrer, now includes staff members Betty Davis and Ceporia McMillian. Becky Fritz reports that the unit hopes to fill two remaining clerk positions soon.
Look for a new fuel credit card this spring- one that will allow you to buy gas at stations that do not accept the state credit card. DOAS formed a partnership with an outside vendor to replace the state card wifh a Master-Card, which will be assigned to the vehicle. Look for more information on this soon.
The Board also awaits the new state purchasing credit card. DOAS has contracted with NationsBank to provide state agencies with a Visa credit card to make small purchases. Several agencies are already using the credit cards but accounting issues are still being worked out through a pilot program with the Department of Audits.
Both of these credit cards will simplify purchasing and accounting procedures.
State agencies must submit Ozone Action Plan
For several years Atlanta and the 13-county metro area have had a serious problem with high levels of ground-level ozone during the hot summer days. Since the Federal government began testing, Atlanta has never met the minimum levels.

On December 4, 1997, Governor Miller issued an Executive Order which mandates all departments, boards, commissions and authorities to participate in the Voluntary Ozone Action Program (VOAP). Several workshops have assisted state agencies in creating a plan which best fits their needs. The Board has solicited input from employees and is now looking at several options to outline how the agency will reduce the number of single occupancy vehicle trips of employees to and from work by 20%.The Board submitted its plan on March 31. After working out details, the agency will inform employees of the procedure which will take effect May 1.
Web site gets attention
The agency's Web page has received some outside attention lately, including a reference from a lead article in the Atlanta Journal's on-line paper- access-atlanta. If you haven't yet checked out the Parole Web site, you can find it at:
http:/ /www2.state.ga.us/
Departments/PAP I
or scroll through Georgia Net.
Personnel Unit sees immediate Web advantage
The Personnel Unit is excited about the technology allowing them to improve services to employees as well as those outside the agency. You may have noticed that they are posting job opportunities on the agency Web page. They say that aside from this providing much speedier information, the process saves money normally spent in massive job announcement mailouts.

Lotus Notes applications simplify procedures
Tony Mazza, formerly an operations analyst in the Research group,
has been promoted to a programmerI
analyst position in Computer Services. Tony will be developing Lotus Notes applications and, with the Lotus Notes team, bringing new systems to the agency. Currently he is working with the Clemency Division on "BARNEY,'' the code name given to the legal and social investigations being re-engineered within a Lotus Notes application. BARNEY should be arriving this summer.
Delinquent Reports will provide complete case document
The FLOID Delinquent Report will soon provide continuous case history information on parole violators. The strictly defined flow of the document will allow the parole officer, chief, and Field Operations personnel to not only read but also participate in creating the computerized report. Finally, the agency will have a "living" DR that presents a chronological progression of information, including the chief's and Field Operations officer's responses. Imagine merely calling up this information in a linear, organized format instead of searching through dense files for the usual multitude of forms and memos.
Replicas allow faster local viewing
So that chiefs can view case information in FLOID faster and more efficiently than having to go through the network Atlanta connection, Computer Services is setting up replicas of that information locally. The new service will make it easier for chiefs to do case reviews. A newly formed Technical Support Team for chiefs will soon be recommending an even easier way to view the information required for case reviews.

Trainers made the difference
The Lotus Notes E-mail conversion has gone smoother than Computer Services expected, and they attribute much of that success to the skills of two training unit instructors who- by choice and necessity- focus their talents on computer training for the agency. Thanks go to Gail Burford and Bonnie Bargeron for helping the agency rise to a higher spiral on the technology learning curve.
Parole chat rooms will provide informal learning
Discussion groups within Lotus Notes are coming your way. These groups will allow everyone in the agency to participate in on-going dialogs on different topics. Anyone with access can rcc.pond to a topic or to other comments and can view the entire dialog.
Field Operations stays on the learning curve
Jay Hancock reports that the Warrants and Violations Unit, like others in the Field division, just keeps working to meet the challenges posed by advances in computer technology, such as FLOID, Windows 95 and Lotus Notes. "We are fortunate to have several in-house experts," Jay says, "most notably Tom Rose, Richard Oleson and Bob Eady. They devote extra effort to move us toward a paperless era."
One of the current projects underway is the conversion of document programs to WordPerfect 7.0. These reformatted programs, along with the elimination of sentencing data on Revocation Orders and Temporary Revocation Warrants, will expedite communication to the field.
Thee-mailing of emergency warrants has been converted to the new Lotus Notes system. Warrant Specialist Lori Freeman sent out 240 warrants by e-mail to the field in
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speedier response to the field's needs has been well-received and Lori's efforts have allowed the Field Operations Officers more time to respond to normal phone calls and reports. Soon the Unit will be sending other documents to the field via e-mail.
Employee Mini-Spotlights:
Sherry Tillman, a teamplayer in the Compact Services Unit, is responsible for processing all release orders on out-of-state cases along with a myriad of other duties in the busy unit. Sherry graduated from the Professional Secretaries Development Program in August 1997, for which she received the agency's Hawthorne award. She is a member of the Technical Support Team and assisted in recent Windows 95 /Lotus Notes training for headquarters' staff. Sherry has been a Board employee since 1988.
Sometimes an office is lucky enough to have someone looking out for the well-being of an entire office. Working with local-area medical facilities, Secretary II Janice Hammond arranged free TB Testing and Hepatitis Vaccinations for Clarkesville parole officers with a minimum of inconvenience and lost time. Also in Clarkesville, Senior Parole Officer Jane Maney developed and now maintains an intake package for use by parole officers for new parolees. The package, complete with checklist, contains a complete copy of all required forms.

Chief Roy Fry said the package is a real time-saver for officers.
Clarkesville Parole Officer Bill Dover recently spoke to students at Habersham Central High School about parole and the Legislature, where he spent 18 years as a representative before joining the Board. Bill has served in many public service positions which he now feels were training for his work in parole. When he returned to Georgia in 1970 after serving as a platoon sergeant in Korea he became a teacher and middle-school vice principal. Then he began his work with the General Assembly. For four years he worked on a special project of developing an in-school suspension program for his home county, and then in 1993- "because of the economic reality of sending three children to college"- he was with the Public Service Commission. In 1995 he joined the Board as a Clarkesville parole officer. Bill says the job of parole officer affords him the opportunity to give something back to the community which has given him so much.
District 14 Chief Parole Officer Seaborn Goff is one of many parole employees who speak to civic and church groups about parole. In February he was guest speaker at the Albany Exchange Club. His office welcomes three new employees: Lynn Miller, Latasha Hayles, and Vernon Bronner.

Georgia parole officers are among the best trained in the U.S. This year the Board expanded the P.O.S.T. -certified basic training from six to eight weeks to accommodate specialized courses in supervision techniques.

about the Board

Parolees may pay costs of electronic monitoring

Pilot project has EM vendor collecting fees

In January the Parole Board began a one-year study to determine the feasibility of requiring parolees to pay for the per diem costs of their own electronic monitoring. The Board now pays $2.19 per day for each of the 1400 electronic monitoring units in use statewide, an amount funded by the state as part of the agency's annual budget. An offender-funded program would eliminate this cost to taxpayers.
The pilot study is conducted with Sentinel Monitoring Corporation which monitors from its California monitoring center over 4,000 clients for more than 50 agencies throughout the country. Sentinel operates offender-funded programs with referrals from jails, pre-trial, and probation sources; however, the Board project is their first attempt to apply the service to parolees.
The Marietta and North Fulton parole offices, with large offender populations, are test sites for the study.
In a facility convenient to both offices, a Sentinel case manager meets with the referred parolee to review program guidelines. The manager assesses the parolee's ability to pay, establishes a fee based on a sliding scale, prepares the contract with the parolee, and equips the parolee and his residence with monitoring equipment. Sentinel personnel then collect all program fees and furnish monthly financial records to the Parole Board.
"A parolee will not be refused service based on an inability to pay," Program Manager Beth Oxford says. "The Board may impose sanctions if the parolee can pay but refuses to do so, but, otherwise, this program will be run with the same standards as our ongoing EM program."
Parolees in the offender-funded electronic monitoring study will continue to pay their $10.00 monthly supervision fee as well as any restitution amounts and court-ordered child support.
Oxford says that parole officers supervise offender-funded cases like all other electronically monitored cases. "All EM cases are labor-intensive for parole officers," she says, "We like the concept of offenders paying for this supervision tool without saddling the parole officer with the overwhelming burden of assessing, collecting, and documenting fee payments."
Typically parolees remain under electronic monitoring from 90 to 180 days. If successful they return to a less restricted level of supervision. If not, they may remain under monitoring for a longer period, or they may be revoked to prison.

Vol.l, No.2 Report on Parole is published by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, Public Information Unit, Fourth Floor, East Tower, Floyd Veterans Memorial Building, 2 M.L.K., Jr. Drive, S.E., Atlanta, GA. 30334. Copyright 1998 by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. Permission is granted to reproduce text from Report on Parole provided attribution is given, with the exception that this permission does not extend to any material copyrighted by others. Photographs may not be reproduced except by permission. The Public Information Unit (tel404-651-5897 or fax 404-651-6723) welcomes your comments.