Dear Editor … raises voice against lack of transparent parole criteria …

Dear Lanier County News,

As a parent deeply affected by Georgia’s current parole practices, I must raise a voice against the lack of transparent parole criteria and its devastating impact on families, community safety, and the state’s economy. The situation regarding my son, a first-time offender who has engaged positively with the correction system, exemplifies the ongoing issue that demands immediate attention and action from relevant authorities.

Despite the availability of more than 21 guidelines intended to steer parole decisions, it appears none were employed in assessing my son’s eligibility for parole. This oversight not only contravenes the spirit of O.C.G.A. 42-9-45(a), which mandates clear and transparent parole criteria, but also illustrates a broader systemic failure that exacerbates overcrowding and erodes trust in our justice system. My son, who has never been a threat to society, must not be deemed otherwise due to procedural neglect and the lack of an interview or a meticulous review of his significantly positive track during incarceration.

Moreover, it costs the state approximately $29,000 annually to house an inmate like my son. This figure becomes increasingly unjustifiable when considering that older inmates, who account for a substantial percentage of the prison population, could be released on compassionate grounds due to their low risk to public safety and high medical expenses. The application of compassionate release policies has proven successful in states like New York, where it has not only reduced costs but has also enhanced living conditions within prisons without compromising public safety.

**Why it matters**
To the average citizen, overlooking a fair parole review process might seem distant until it affects one’s family. It is not mere policy failure; it’s a story of families broken apart, financial resources inappropriately allocated, and communities left to wrestle with unnecessary fears about safety. Implementing just parole practices ensures a safer, more economically sound environment for all citizens while potentially reducing the state’s financial burden associated with maintaining high-risk, overcrowded prisons.

Evidently, Georgia’s standing as the state with the highest incarceration rate in the U.S., as reported by multiple studies including DOJ findings, magnifies the urgency for reform. These statistics reflect not only on the state’s policy shortcomings but pose a direct challenge to our community’s integrity and the welfare of its constituents. This misplaced approach to corrections hinders rehabilitation, threatens public safety, and strains our justice system.

I urge you to promote fairness, accountability, and transparency in the parole process. We must work to establish a system where rehabilitation is encouraged through hope and realistic pathways to release are clear. This can significantly alleviate overcrowding and transform our correctional environment into one that fosters rehabilitation and supports societal contributions from those incarcerated.

In conclusion, as we push for these changes, I am advocating not merely as a concerned parent but as a citizen who believes in justice and the effective rehabilitation of individuals. It is imperative that articles and discussions surrounding these documented injustices be highlighted in the community through platforms such as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution to boost public awareness and prompt necessary legislative actions.

Sincerely,

Kymberlee King
[email protected]
3100 fields dr
LITHONIA, GA 30038
Phone: 470-538-8459