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i_sentencingreform_2017a_2017-08-23t09:14:40z4 Hearing Summary

Date: 08/23/2017

Location: RM 271

Final

Parole Board Operations and Assessments



SENTENCING IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM


Votes: View--> Action Taken:
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01:38 PM -- Parole Board Operations and Assessments



The committee returned to order. Mr. Joe Morales, Chairperson, State Board of Parole; Ms. Rebecca Oakes, Vice Chairperson, State Board of Parole; Dr. Brandon Mathews, Member, State Board of Parole; and Ms. Anne Andrews, Research and Evaluation Specialist, State Board of Parole, briefed the committee on its charge, operations, and parole assessment process. Committee members received a packet of information supporting the board's presentation (Attachment E). Mr. Morales first provided an overview of the activities and duties of the parole board. Dr. Mathews discussed the instrument that guides the board in its decision-making process. Dr. Mathews responded to questions regarding recently adopted legislation that has changed the information required in the decision-making tool. Discussion ensued on this point. Dr. Mathews returned to briefing the committee on the decision-making tool.



170823 AttachE.pdf170823 AttachE.pdf



01:51 PM



Dr. Mathews responded to questions regarding the rate at which the State Board of Parole adheres to the recommendations of its decision-making tool. Discussion ensued on this point, and certain data-collecting efforts being undertaken by the board.





02:09 PM



Discussion continued regarding data-gathering currently underway at the board concerning its decision-making instrument. Discussion followed regarding the types of information to which the State Board of Parole is privy when making a parole determination. Ms. Andrews briefed the committee on the numbers of technical violations that result in parole revocation, and the conditions placed on parolees. Mr. Morales discussed a pair of recommendations affecting parole made by the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ), which are contained in Attachment E. The committee discussed these recommendations with the board.





02:31 PM



Discussion continued regarding certain recommendations made pertaining to parole by CCJJ, and a backlog in mandatory parole release dates. Mr. Morales responded to questions regarding those who may be eligible for parole under House Bill 17-1326. Ms. Andrews provided input on this issue.





02:43 PM



Discussion continued regarding one of the CCJJ recommendations contained in Attachment E, and certain factors that result in parole revocation. Mr. Morales responded to questions regarding interaction between the State Board of Parole and the General Assembly.





02:53 PM



Discussion ensued regarding the availability of certain data and information from the State Board of Parole, and the accessing of certain corrections information by the board. Discussion followed regarding additional resources recently allocated to the parole process under state law, and disparities among facilities.





03:11 PM



Mr. Morales addressed some issues raised by Representative Lee about a couple of parole cases with which he has become familiar through constituent outreach. The committee and the panel again discussed some of the proposed changes considered by CCJJ.












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