Our Stories

Stop Parole Board Abuse

Posted by chart4  ·  21 Aug 2011  ·  1 comment  ·  1129 views

I have a family member that is currently incarcerated in the New York State Department of Correctional Services whom I strongly believe should have been released to Parole supervision by now.  Unfortunately, due to the current Parole laws, the Board of Parole continues to abuse its power.  My loved one has demonstrated that they have grown and changed for the better, yet the Parole Board continues to deny their release due to the “nature and seriousness” of their crime, effectively resentencing them.  If an individual does everything asked of them and has gone above and beyond what has been expected of them and has demonstrated consistantly their rehabilitee success, then they should be granted their freedom.

I, as well as many other people, have absolutely no faith in our Parole system and the way the law is currently written and carried out.  As it stands now, the law is written such that the Parole Commissioners are permitted to abuse their discretion, while at the same time ensure that it remains ineffective.  Inmates who are clearly rehabilitated, who have served their sentences and are no threat to the community, are repeatedly being denied release.  The time for change is long overdue, which is why I support the S.A.F.E Parole Act, Bill #S5374.  I urge you to continue to fight to make sure this bill becomes law.  If we are successful in accomplishing this goal, I am confident that my family member will return home following his next Board appearance, rather than having to experience countless more painful denials at the hands of the Parole Board.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your assistance, and for sharing the same vision that my family and so many other families throughout New York State have in common.  As well, I thank you for introducing the S.A. F.E. Parole Act. 

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