Robertson
Chairman Barnard also praised the staff in the Office of Victim Services.
“We have a dedicated staff in the Georgia Office of Victim Services. This award also speaks to the assistance crime victims receive throughout the year from this office and from the State Board of Pardons and Paroles,” Chairman Barnard said.
“I am extremely honored to receive this award,” stated Robertson.
“As far back as I can remember I have had a desire to help others. Working in state government has allowed me to do just that. The Office of Victim Services works diligently to ensure that crime victims have an active role in the post-conviction process. In my myriad positions as a public servant over these past 31 years, I have found the position in Victim Services to be the most rewarding," Robertson said.
The award is named for the late Judge Joe Kegans, a founding member of APPA's Victim Issues Committee. Kegans devoted her career to bettering the lives of those impacted by crime.
The State Board of Pardons and Paroles continues to forge strong partnerships with public safety agencies and stakeholders in order to ensure public safety. Executive Director of Parole Chris Barnett and senior executive staff continue to engage those outside the agency.
"Everyone has a stake and a role to fulfill in providing for public safety. By engaging stakeholders, partners and the community, we can make sure the board members have all necessary and available information in order to make the best parole decisions," stated Barnett.
The State Board of Pardons and Paroles joined the state's police chiefs in February at the Winter Training Conference of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP) in Athens.
Barnett pledged the continued support of the board and says the agency is committed to public safety.
"If we continue to engage stakeholders, educate stakeholders on the parole process, encourage active participation by all stakeholders in the parole process, we will continue to enhance the clemency process and public safety."
Parole staff also attended the winter training meeting of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Atlanta.
The clemency process including parole consideration is an open process and can include input from anyone including the public. Stakeholders include but aren't limited to; victims, prosecutors, attorneys, advocacy groups, state agencies, organizations and the community. The Parole Board seeks all available information regarding the parole eligible offender before making a decision.
Parole staff also participated in listening sessions across the state regarding Georgia's Forensic Peer Mentoring Project. The mentoring project provides support, linkage, and care coordination to promote the successful community reintegration of adults with behavioral health diagnoses returning to the community following incarceration. The Board continues its support of partners to include the Department of Corrections, the Department of Community Supervision as well as local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Engaging Stakeholders, Community
and Criminal Justice Partners; Enhancing Public Safety
Safety
Parole's 4E's of Operation
Engaging Stakeholders
Educating the Community
Encouraging Active
Participation
Enhancing Operations
7
Parole Review/Spring 2019