The September/October edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.
Prison Action Network's brief summary is given below. Please see Building Bridges for full details and their current news about parole, ways to help and become involved.
Summaries of articles:
1. Parole News: August releases; News about former parole board member and chair Robert Dennison’s advocacy for certain parole applicants.
2. NYS Parole Reform Campaign reports on the growing energy around the SAFE Parole Act; unveils new and easy Weekly Action readers can join.
3. Ending Parole Abuse - Reuniting Families; a Campaign to Overhaul New York’s Parole System encourages public participation and invites us to their gala Kick-off event on November 8.
4. We can do it! Inspiration from FAMM’s experience.
5. End Mass Incarceration Convergence puts Prisoner Justice Network solidly on the map.
6. Release Aging People from Prison (RAPP) unveils petition drive on WBAI’s Law and Disorder show.
7. Religion, Abolition, Mass Incarceration seminar on October 4-5 includes speakers from RAPP.
8. Bookends, an evening of performances inspired by incarcerated parents and grandparents, to be presented in Albany by Prison Legal Services.
9. Michelle Alexander is expanding her focus to include a radical restructuring of society.
10. Education from the Inside Out is beginning a new season of working to remove the barriers that keep our youth and people with criminal records uneducated.
11. Part 3 in Baba Eng’s address to Building Bridges readers in which he looks at who's responsible and who is going to do something about our failed criminal justice system.
12. Forty-two years after the Attica rebellion Prisoners Are People Too takes a look at what has changed (or not) over the four decades since then.
13. Corey Parks: The race for quality has no finish line. There is always room for more improvement.
14. Small Business Legal Academy offers free consulting day.
15. Special screening of Herman’s House at CSS. Petition to grant him compassionate release.
September 25, 2013
August 25, 2013
Building Bridges - August/September 2013 edition
The August/September edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.
Prison Action Network's brief summary is given below. Please see Building Bridges for full details and their current news about parole, ways to help and become involved.
1. Parole releases are averaging close to 26% for both initials and reappearances; Building Bridges gives a list of current parole commissioners and their biographies.
3. The campaign to overhaul NY’s failed parole system is moving forward with a meeting on September 7 to begin planning the year’s events.
4. NYS Prisoner Justice Network takes a cautious look at the Stop and Frisk judicial decision and A.G. Holder’s speech calling for federal prison reforms.
5. DOCCS is denying more and more women entry to the Bedford Hills' prison nursery, particularly women who have been convicted of violent crimes and women who have had child welfare involvement with other children.
6. Merle Cooper petition signatures reach 845. There are six days left to at least be counted among those who think DOCCS should maintain programs that have proven track records.
7. College degree program at Albion C.F. to start this summer, thanks to a $200,000 grant from the Sunshine Lady.
8. Baba Eng follows the thread from Black Codes > criminal justice system > criminal codes > Emancipation Proclamation > 13th amendment with its exception > vagrancy (and other) laws to catch up Freed Blacks.
9. Black August: In remembrance of Jonathan Jackson, brother of George Jackson, Mujahid Farid, the featured speaker at this month’s Prisoners Are People Too meeting, will consider how the fate of Jonathan ties into issues of juvenile justice.
10. Corey Parks wants to convince you of your ability to become a leader after you come home.
11. ReEntry Roundtable Wed. Sept 18, 1-3pm, "Broken On All Sides" documentary.
Prison Action Network's brief summary is given below. Please see Building Bridges for full details and their current news about parole, ways to help and become involved.
1. Parole releases are averaging close to 26% for both initials and reappearances; Building Bridges gives a list of current parole commissioners and their biographies.
In other parole news, the following is a brief summary from the highly recommended report, Parole Release Decisions and the Rule of Law, by Alan Rosenthal and Patricia Warth (Atticus, Summer 2013, Vol. 25, No. 2, p. 10-16):
"In response to the amendment of Executive Law § 259-c(4) the Parole Board took no action to establish written procedures, instead apparently relying upon the "Evans' Memo" to suffice. Upon inspection and investigation of this memo a simple truth emerges. The memo does not contain the procedures required to satisfy the 2011 amendment and it has not been promulgated by proper filing with the Department of State, the Secretary of State, or publication in the state register. Therefore any action taken by the Parole Board to deny parole to any person coming before it would be made in violation of Executive Law § 259-c(4) because it would have been made without first establishing or following proper procedures, thus inviting judicial annulment."2. Only four Criminal Justice bills that the Prison Action Network were following made it into law. None of them targets a subset of the prison population, and two increase benefits to victims.
3. The campaign to overhaul NY’s failed parole system is moving forward with a meeting on September 7 to begin planning the year’s events.
4. NYS Prisoner Justice Network takes a cautious look at the Stop and Frisk judicial decision and A.G. Holder’s speech calling for federal prison reforms.
5. DOCCS is denying more and more women entry to the Bedford Hills' prison nursery, particularly women who have been convicted of violent crimes and women who have had child welfare involvement with other children.
6. Merle Cooper petition signatures reach 845. There are six days left to at least be counted among those who think DOCCS should maintain programs that have proven track records.
7. College degree program at Albion C.F. to start this summer, thanks to a $200,000 grant from the Sunshine Lady.
8. Baba Eng follows the thread from Black Codes > criminal justice system > criminal codes > Emancipation Proclamation > 13th amendment with its exception > vagrancy (and other) laws to catch up Freed Blacks.
9. Black August: In remembrance of Jonathan Jackson, brother of George Jackson, Mujahid Farid, the featured speaker at this month’s Prisoners Are People Too meeting, will consider how the fate of Jonathan ties into issues of juvenile justice.
10. Corey Parks wants to convince you of your ability to become a leader after you come home.
11. ReEntry Roundtable Wed. Sept 18, 1-3pm, "Broken On All Sides" documentary.
July 25, 2013
Building Bridges - July/August 2013 edition
The July/August edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.
Prison Action Network's brief summary is given below. Please see Building Bridges for full details and their current news about parole, including updates about the NYS Parole Reform Campaign, ways to help and become involved.
1. Parole News - June releases, the First Department of NYS Supreme Court's Appellate Division overrules Judge Huff's ruling in the case of Kozlowski v. NYS Board of Parole.
2. Parole Reform Campaign - The Prison Ministry of the Riverside Church in New York City will launch their year-long campaign to overhaul New York's failed parole policies and practices with a weekend of inspiring performances, workshops, and worship. SAVE THE DATE: Nov 8-10. [To participate, please contact Sheila Rule, or call her at 877-267-2303.]
3. The status of the SAFE Parole Act after two Legislative Sessions.
4. Legislative Report on the status of the six bills, among those the Prison Action Network has been following, which passed in both houses.
5. Don't give up on Merle Cooper! Click here to sign the petition.
6. Prisoner Justice Network shines the light on the many struggles to put criminal justice and injustice on everyone's radar, nationally and globally. This visibility gives justice activists and advocates an opening to get out the truth about over-incarceration, racial targeting, and abusive prison conditions, and to organize for change and justice.
7. Ageing in Prison, a report by Karima Amin. Everyone loves grandma… and grandpa too. But when incarceration enters the mix, love and respect often disappear and attitudes change. This will be the topic at the next meeting of Prisoners Are People Too, on Monday, July 29 at 6:30pm.
8. Corey's Column: Your mind-set is the biggest challenge in succeeding at reintegration.
9. Hip-Hop for Prisoner Justice features artists from around the world to promote justice for prisoners. In Troy NY at Freedom Square, Saturday August 3, 5pm - 8:30pm.
10. Capital Region RJ Conference will discuss the effectiveness of restorative justice circles in both minor and serious criminal cases. September 20, 9am - 4pm in Saratoga Springs.
11. Baba Eng's message to us: A shift in perspective and paradigm is required to meaningfully address the effect(s) of the unjust application of criminal justice.
12. An updated, easy to understand, one page description of the SAFE Parole Act is available. If you would like a copy, please contact the Prison Action Network at prisonactionnetwork@gmail.com.
Prison Action Network's brief summary is given below. Please see Building Bridges for full details and their current news about parole, including updates about the NYS Parole Reform Campaign, ways to help and become involved.
1. Parole News - June releases, the First Department of NYS Supreme Court's Appellate Division overrules Judge Huff's ruling in the case of Kozlowski v. NYS Board of Parole.
2. Parole Reform Campaign - The Prison Ministry of the Riverside Church in New York City will launch their year-long campaign to overhaul New York's failed parole policies and practices with a weekend of inspiring performances, workshops, and worship. SAVE THE DATE: Nov 8-10. [To participate, please contact Sheila Rule, or call her at 877-267-2303.]
3. The status of the SAFE Parole Act after two Legislative Sessions.
4. Legislative Report on the status of the six bills, among those the Prison Action Network has been following, which passed in both houses.
5. Don't give up on Merle Cooper! Click here to sign the petition.
6. Prisoner Justice Network shines the light on the many struggles to put criminal justice and injustice on everyone's radar, nationally and globally. This visibility gives justice activists and advocates an opening to get out the truth about over-incarceration, racial targeting, and abusive prison conditions, and to organize for change and justice.
7. Ageing in Prison, a report by Karima Amin. Everyone loves grandma… and grandpa too. But when incarceration enters the mix, love and respect often disappear and attitudes change. This will be the topic at the next meeting of Prisoners Are People Too, on Monday, July 29 at 6:30pm.
8. Corey's Column: Your mind-set is the biggest challenge in succeeding at reintegration.
9. Hip-Hop for Prisoner Justice features artists from around the world to promote justice for prisoners. In Troy NY at Freedom Square, Saturday August 3, 5pm - 8:30pm.
10. Capital Region RJ Conference will discuss the effectiveness of restorative justice circles in both minor and serious criminal cases. September 20, 9am - 4pm in Saratoga Springs.
11. Baba Eng's message to us: A shift in perspective and paradigm is required to meaningfully address the effect(s) of the unjust application of criminal justice.
12. An updated, easy to understand, one page description of the SAFE Parole Act is available. If you would like a copy, please contact the Prison Action Network at prisonactionnetwork@gmail.com.
July 03, 2013
New York State Parole Board Members
Current members of the New York State Board of Parole, updated to include those appointed on June 19 2013:
Stanford, Tina, Chairwoman
Alexander, Ellen
Coppola, Marc
Crangle, Joseph
Elovich, Lisa Beth
Ferguson, James
Hallerdin, Gail
Hernandez, Christina
Johnson, Milton
Ludlow, G. Kevin
Sharkey, Edward
Smith, Julie
Smith, Walter Wm., Jr.
Thompson, Sally
Stanford, Tina, Chairwoman
Alexander, Ellen
Coppola, Marc
Crangle, Joseph
Elovich, Lisa Beth
Ferguson, James
Hallerdin, Gail
Hernandez, Christina
Johnson, Milton
Ludlow, G. Kevin
Sharkey, Edward
Smith, Julie
Smith, Walter Wm., Jr.
Thompson, Sally
June 29, 2013
Appellate Court Judge is admonished over letter to Parole Board
The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct has determined that Nancy E. Smith, a Justice of the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, should be admonished for sending an unsolicited letter on behalf of an inmate who was applying for parole.
The Commission said Smith sent an unsolicited letter on her judicial stationery to a parole board indicating that the inmate was a 'friend' and 'good person' who deserved release. In fact, while Smith had corresponded with the inmate, she never met him and her only connection to the matter was that her brother-in-law's sister is a friend of the defendant's mother.
Commission Administrator Robert H. Tembeckjian made the following statement: "This marks the first time the Commission has publicly disciplined an Appellate Division Justice, whose high rank should have made her especially sensitive to setting an example and obeying the ethics rules."
For further details:
Admonition of Appellate Division Justice Nancy E. Smith, Fourth Department (Rochester) June 28 2013
Appellate Justice Is Faulted Over Letter to Parole Board, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, July 1 2013)
In a first, Appellate Division justice is admonished, by Rick Karlin (Times Union Capitol, June 28 2013)
The Commission said Smith sent an unsolicited letter on her judicial stationery to a parole board indicating that the inmate was a 'friend' and 'good person' who deserved release. In fact, while Smith had corresponded with the inmate, she never met him and her only connection to the matter was that her brother-in-law's sister is a friend of the defendant's mother.
Commission Administrator Robert H. Tembeckjian made the following statement: "This marks the first time the Commission has publicly disciplined an Appellate Division Justice, whose high rank should have made her especially sensitive to setting an example and obeying the ethics rules."
For further details:
Admonition of Appellate Division Justice Nancy E. Smith, Fourth Department (Rochester) June 28 2013
Appellate Justice Is Faulted Over Letter to Parole Board, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, July 1 2013)
In a first, Appellate Division justice is admonished, by Rick Karlin (Times Union Capitol, June 28 2013)
June 25, 2013
Building Bridges - June/July 2013 edition
The June/July edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.
Prison Action Network's brief summary is given below. Please see Building Bridges for full details and their current news about parole, including details of the new Parole Board Commissioners appointed on June 19th, and updates from the NYS Parole Reform Campaign.
1. The legislative session is over. So unless the governor calls a special session before then, no more bills will be passed before January 2014. That includes the SAFE Parole Act. The bills introduced in June include some that passed both houses. Summer Strategies. Viewpoint from Inside questions the motivation for sex offender bills.
2. The highly successful Merle Cooper Program is slated for closure on September 1. Read this letter from Ronald Hughes, a participant in the program and if it inspires you to take action, consider signing this petition to stop the closure of the program that many people credit for being the key to their transformation.
3. The SAFE Parole Act ended the session with fourteen sponsors in the Assembly and four in the Senate. We have a lot of work to do, but it can be done if you join us. We have an easy letter writing initiative, and we'll help you plan a visit to your representatives' district offices this summer.
4. Parole News: May release statistics. Detailed biographies of the newly appointed Parole Board Commissioners including notes from their confirmation hearing. Another positive ruling in favor of the plaintiff in a parole board case was handed down in Manhattan Supreme Court: Kozlowski v. New York State Board of Parole, 104097/2012, New York State Supreme Court, NY County (Manhattan).
5. Corey Parks asks us to join him to 'Accomplish Peace, Not Violence' and learn to build up our communities after being conditioned to destroy them.
6. Eddie Ellis has been interviewed by the Sun Magazine.
7. Baba Eng finally is back in New York State. He was the guest speaker at the June 24th meeting of Prisoners Are People Too, which was also celebrating the organization's 8th anniversary.
Prison Action Network's brief summary is given below. Please see Building Bridges for full details and their current news about parole, including details of the new Parole Board Commissioners appointed on June 19th, and updates from the NYS Parole Reform Campaign.
1. The legislative session is over. So unless the governor calls a special session before then, no more bills will be passed before January 2014. That includes the SAFE Parole Act. The bills introduced in June include some that passed both houses. Summer Strategies. Viewpoint from Inside questions the motivation for sex offender bills.
2. The highly successful Merle Cooper Program is slated for closure on September 1. Read this letter from Ronald Hughes, a participant in the program and if it inspires you to take action, consider signing this petition to stop the closure of the program that many people credit for being the key to their transformation.
3. The SAFE Parole Act ended the session with fourteen sponsors in the Assembly and four in the Senate. We have a lot of work to do, but it can be done if you join us. We have an easy letter writing initiative, and we'll help you plan a visit to your representatives' district offices this summer.
4. Parole News: May release statistics. Detailed biographies of the newly appointed Parole Board Commissioners including notes from their confirmation hearing. Another positive ruling in favor of the plaintiff in a parole board case was handed down in Manhattan Supreme Court: Kozlowski v. New York State Board of Parole, 104097/2012, New York State Supreme Court, NY County (Manhattan).
5. Corey Parks asks us to join him to 'Accomplish Peace, Not Violence' and learn to build up our communities after being conditioned to destroy them.
6. Eddie Ellis has been interviewed by the Sun Magazine.
7. Baba Eng finally is back in New York State. He was the guest speaker at the June 24th meeting of Prisoners Are People Too, which was also celebrating the organization's 8th anniversary.
June 19, 2013
Nominations to the New York State Board of Parole
At a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction on 19 June 2013, chaired by Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, the following nominations to the New York State Board of Parole were considered and approved:
Tina Stanford, Chairwoman, State Board of Parole
Lisa Elovich, Member, State Board of Parole (reappointment)
Walter Smith, Jr., Member, State Board of Parole (reappointment)
Sally Thompson, Member, State Board of Parole (reappointment)
Gail Hallerdin, Member, State Board of Parole
Milton Johnson, III, Member, State Board of Parole
Julie Smith, Member, State Board of Parole
Governor Cuomo Announces Senate Confirmation of Multiple Appointments (with brief biographical details of the new parole commissioners) (Albany, NY, 19 June 2013)
More detailed biographies of the new parole commissioners may be found in the June/July edition of Building Bridges.
Watch the full YouTube video of the June 19 meeting.
Tina Stanford, Chairwoman, State Board of Parole
Lisa Elovich, Member, State Board of Parole (reappointment)
Walter Smith, Jr., Member, State Board of Parole (reappointment)
Sally Thompson, Member, State Board of Parole (reappointment)
Gail Hallerdin, Member, State Board of Parole
Milton Johnson, III, Member, State Board of Parole
Julie Smith, Member, State Board of Parole
Governor Cuomo Announces Senate Confirmation of Multiple Appointments (with brief biographical details of the new parole commissioners) (Albany, NY, 19 June 2013)
More detailed biographies of the new parole commissioners may be found in the June/July edition of Building Bridges.
Watch the full YouTube video of the June 19 meeting.
May 24, 2013
Building Bridges - May/June 2013 edition
The May/June edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.
Prison Action Network's brief summary is given below. Please see Building Bridges for full details and their current news about parole including updates about the NYS Parole Reform Campaign, ways to help and get involved.
1. Anthony Annucci has been appointed as the DOCCS Acting Commissioner. He has an extensive history with the agency. Facility Parole Officers are now known as Offender Rehabilitation Coordinators (ORCs). Hopefully this title change will allow them to focus more directly on preparing a person for successful reentry and rehabilitation.
2. Job Fair: it is not easy for anyone to find a job these days, and especially so if you have a criminal history. The National Action Network in the Bronx is offering a day of workshops to help you find work and "Power Your Way to Reentry". June 6.
3. Legislation: the Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee website now lists the votes cast.
4. Supporters of the NYS Parole Reform Campaign are continuing their efforts to pass the SAFE Parole Act. SPA, CSS, and MNJ are all actively petitioning the Legislature. The Campaign’s website has changed; campaign updates can now be found in Building Bridges, at the NYS Parole Reform Campaign column.
5. The Birthday Party, a tale from the NYS Prisoner Justice Network.
6. Parole News: February and April parole releases; new statistician found; opinions expressed by readers on Parole issues.
7. Realities of Reentry: though challenging, reentry offers an opportunity for a second chance. PRP2 guest speaker, Mr. Jerome Wright, "came home" to Buffalo in 2009. He has learned that dealing with the realities of reentry requires patience and a desire to learn new things, no matter how long or short the period of incarceration has been.
8. Corey Parks had a dream while he was in prison and now he's living it.
9. Keeping Jerry Balone's memory alive: two friends sent us their remembrances. "Jerry is a true example of what someone can become if they are given the chance." "The I-Can-Do-It Champ of resolve and redemption, his wings strengthened for flight beyond the naysayer's sting."
10. The $2 million windows at ten NYS prisons.
11. School not Court, a report and recommendations from the New York City School-Justice Partnership Task Force.
Prison Action Network's brief summary is given below. Please see Building Bridges for full details and their current news about parole including updates about the NYS Parole Reform Campaign, ways to help and get involved.
1. Anthony Annucci has been appointed as the DOCCS Acting Commissioner. He has an extensive history with the agency. Facility Parole Officers are now known as Offender Rehabilitation Coordinators (ORCs). Hopefully this title change will allow them to focus more directly on preparing a person for successful reentry and rehabilitation.
2. Job Fair: it is not easy for anyone to find a job these days, and especially so if you have a criminal history. The National Action Network in the Bronx is offering a day of workshops to help you find work and "Power Your Way to Reentry". June 6.
3. Legislation: the Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee website now lists the votes cast.
4. Supporters of the NYS Parole Reform Campaign are continuing their efforts to pass the SAFE Parole Act. SPA, CSS, and MNJ are all actively petitioning the Legislature. The Campaign’s website has changed; campaign updates can now be found in Building Bridges, at the NYS Parole Reform Campaign column.
5. The Birthday Party, a tale from the NYS Prisoner Justice Network.
6. Parole News: February and April parole releases; new statistician found; opinions expressed by readers on Parole issues.
7. Realities of Reentry: though challenging, reentry offers an opportunity for a second chance. PRP2 guest speaker, Mr. Jerome Wright, "came home" to Buffalo in 2009. He has learned that dealing with the realities of reentry requires patience and a desire to learn new things, no matter how long or short the period of incarceration has been.
8. Corey Parks had a dream while he was in prison and now he's living it.
9. Keeping Jerry Balone's memory alive: two friends sent us their remembrances. "Jerry is a true example of what someone can become if they are given the chance." "The I-Can-Do-It Champ of resolve and redemption, his wings strengthened for flight beyond the naysayer's sting."
10. The $2 million windows at ten NYS prisons.
11. School not Court, a report and recommendations from the New York City School-Justice Partnership Task Force.
May 15, 2013
Letters supporting parole reform and the proposed SAFE Parole Act
Recent letters supporting parole reform and the pending legislation, Safe and Fair Evaluations (SAFE) Parole Act A4108/S1128, published by the Times Union:
Welcome parolees back into the community, by Judith Brink (Times Union, May 31 2013)
The parole board is not a resentencing body, by Judith Brink (Times Union, May 10 2013)
Parole board role is misunderstood, by Karen Kaufmann (Times Union, May 8 2013)
Bill would address parole procedures, by Anne Marie Haber (Times Union, May 7 2013)
Welcome parolees back into the community, by Judith Brink (Times Union, May 31 2013)
The parole board is not a resentencing body, by Judith Brink (Times Union, May 10 2013)
Parole board role is misunderstood, by Karen Kaufmann (Times Union, May 8 2013)
Bill would address parole procedures, by Anne Marie Haber (Times Union, May 7 2013)
May 13, 2013
Anthony J. Annucci becomes Acting Commissioner of NYS DOCCS
Anthony J. Annucci became the Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision effective May 1, 2013.
Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci's biography (New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision)
Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci's biography (New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision)
May 03, 2013
Commissioner Fischer’s Few Last Words
As he ended his 44 year career to begin his retirement, Commissioner Fischer reflected on how he started and came to join the agency, and thanked the employees for their hard work, support and especially for their friendship.
Commissioner Fischer’s Few Last Words (NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Press Release, May 2 2013)
Commissioner Fischer’s Few Last Words (NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Press Release, May 2 2013)
April 26, 2013
David McCallum is denied parole
David McCallum has been denied parole for the fourth time, for a crime he insists he did not commit.
For details:
Inmate Who Claims He Falsely Confessed Loses Parole Bid, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, April 26 2013)
When Admitting Guilt Is Not An Option, by Martin H. Tankleff (New York Law Journal, March 11 2013)
Inmate Cannot Clear His Name Without Evidence of Guilty Party, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, March 6 2013)
For details:
Inmate Who Claims He Falsely Confessed Loses Parole Bid, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, April 26 2013)
When Admitting Guilt Is Not An Option, by Martin H. Tankleff (New York Law Journal, March 11 2013)
Inmate Cannot Clear His Name Without Evidence of Guilty Party, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, March 6 2013)
April 25, 2013
Building Bridges - April/May 2013 edition
The April/May edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.
Prison Action Network's brief summary is given below. Please see Building Bridges for full details and their current news about parole, ways to help and get involved.
1. Especially if you're a veteran who's done time in prison, or are the family member of an incarcerated veteran, you will welcome this opportunity to do some important healing - not only of your own pain, but of the system that then landed you in prison - in a luxurious setting, with all expenses except your transportation paid. All veterans and their families are invited!
2. Legislation considered in both houses of our legislature reveals the progress of our movement to make change in the legal system that controls our lives. Merit time bill is defeated.
3. Second Look Think Tank at Sullivan met with retiring DOCCS Commissioner Fischer and Vanda Seward, Director of Statewide Reentry Services, for a discussion of issues that affect all stakeholders in the reintegration process.
4. Parole News: March releases; Volunteer wanted to help with statistics; Morris’s judicial victory validates that the Parole Board deliberately holds some people in prison despite their readiness for reentry; Howard Marnell's case and rescission hearing; advice on meeting appeal deadlines; Legal Aid Society wins Article 78 claiming Division of Parole used illegal tactics to avoid FOIL disclosures.
5. Preceding Michelle Alexander's presentation at Hamilton College, the NYS Prisoner Justice Network held a meet-up for its statewide membership to describe their roles in this growing movement for justice; your group, including organizations from inside prisons, is invited to be listed in their revised 2013/2014 Prisoner Justice Network Directory.
6. The NYS Parole Reform Campaign has revitalized their attempts to convince NYS legislators to do what so many New Yorkers understand is the morally correct thing to do, pass the SAFE Parole Act. It is time the Parole Board has legislation that allows them to fully commit their attention to evaluating the risks an applicant poses to his or her community.
7. Buffalo's Prisoners Are People Too, Inc. will meet on April 29 to discuss the stigma that exists throughout our communities and taints the decisions designed to provide "justice for all".
8. RAPP and DTR join in taking on the critical issue of people ageing and dying in prison.
9. Cory Parks points out the importance of self-reflection to our health and our vocational success.
10. Job opportunities in Albany NY.
11. Mothers of Bedford screening in Hudson NY follows women who are learning to provide their children with positive nurturing even from behind bars.
12. Keeping Jerry Balone's memory alive begins by sharing our stories of his impact on our lives. It will appear monthly in these pages as long as the stories keep coming.
13. Our actions are the seeds of our children's futures. A 12 year old child asks her advocate mother why there are so many black people in prison. Many who are decades older have yet to pose that important question.
14. Needle Wizards can't have crochet hooks in the colors reserved for prison staff only. Imagine confusing a crochet hook with a correctional officer!
Prison Action Network's brief summary is given below. Please see Building Bridges for full details and their current news about parole, ways to help and get involved.
1. Especially if you're a veteran who's done time in prison, or are the family member of an incarcerated veteran, you will welcome this opportunity to do some important healing - not only of your own pain, but of the system that then landed you in prison - in a luxurious setting, with all expenses except your transportation paid. All veterans and their families are invited!
2. Legislation considered in both houses of our legislature reveals the progress of our movement to make change in the legal system that controls our lives. Merit time bill is defeated.
3. Second Look Think Tank at Sullivan met with retiring DOCCS Commissioner Fischer and Vanda Seward, Director of Statewide Reentry Services, for a discussion of issues that affect all stakeholders in the reintegration process.
4. Parole News: March releases; Volunteer wanted to help with statistics; Morris’s judicial victory validates that the Parole Board deliberately holds some people in prison despite their readiness for reentry; Howard Marnell's case and rescission hearing; advice on meeting appeal deadlines; Legal Aid Society wins Article 78 claiming Division of Parole used illegal tactics to avoid FOIL disclosures.
5. Preceding Michelle Alexander's presentation at Hamilton College, the NYS Prisoner Justice Network held a meet-up for its statewide membership to describe their roles in this growing movement for justice; your group, including organizations from inside prisons, is invited to be listed in their revised 2013/2014 Prisoner Justice Network Directory.
6. The NYS Parole Reform Campaign has revitalized their attempts to convince NYS legislators to do what so many New Yorkers understand is the morally correct thing to do, pass the SAFE Parole Act. It is time the Parole Board has legislation that allows them to fully commit their attention to evaluating the risks an applicant poses to his or her community.
7. Buffalo's Prisoners Are People Too, Inc. will meet on April 29 to discuss the stigma that exists throughout our communities and taints the decisions designed to provide "justice for all".
8. RAPP and DTR join in taking on the critical issue of people ageing and dying in prison.
9. Cory Parks points out the importance of self-reflection to our health and our vocational success.
10. Job opportunities in Albany NY.
11. Mothers of Bedford screening in Hudson NY follows women who are learning to provide their children with positive nurturing even from behind bars.
12. Keeping Jerry Balone's memory alive begins by sharing our stories of his impact on our lives. It will appear monthly in these pages as long as the stories keep coming.
13. Our actions are the seeds of our children's futures. A 12 year old child asks her advocate mother why there are so many black people in prison. Many who are decades older have yet to pose that important question.
14. Needle Wizards can't have crochet hooks in the colors reserved for prison staff only. Imagine confusing a crochet hook with a correctional officer!
April 23, 2013
Hank Morris wins parole
State Supreme Court Justice Richard Mott ordered the state's parole board to swiftly grant Hank Morris a new parole hearing, finding the board "inexplicably" failed to fairly consider several factors in Morris's favor, including its own internal evaluation which indicates that Morris is no threat to society, and unjustly manipulated the process to keep him in prison for as long as possible. "Specifically, the record demonstrates that the board inexplicably failed to consider and weigh myriad relevant factors, all of which categorically supported petitioner's release on parole."
The new hearing took place yesterday, on April 22. Morris was granted parole and will be paroled by June 3.
Morris told parole commissioners that after his release he intends to work with not-for-profit agencies advocating parole reform. "I think there's a crying need for it," he said.
Related articles:
Reversing Course, Parole Board Set to Release Morris, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, April 24 2013)
After a Productive Two Years, Hank Morris Wins His Freedom, by Jacob Gershman (Wall Street Journal Law Blog, April 23 2013) (Includes a transcript of Morris's parole hearing)
Hank Morris, who aided corruption of disgraced ex-Controller Alan Hevesi, being freed in June, by Kenneth Lovett (New York Daily News, April 24 2013)
Breaking News: Hank Morris Wins Parole, by Ken Lovett (New York Daily News, April 23 2013)
Update: Hank Morris wins parole, out by June 3, by Chris Churchill (Timesunion.com, April 23 2013) (Includes Morris's Parole Board decision and release conditions)
Hank Morris wins parole, will be out by June 3, by Casey Seiler (Capitol Confidential, April 23 2013)
Parole Granted for Consultant in Corruption Case, by Jesse McKinley (New York Times, April 23 2013)
For further details of the case and earlier articles, see:
Hank Morris challenges parole compliance with the law (Parole News, April 19 2013)
The new hearing took place yesterday, on April 22. Morris was granted parole and will be paroled by June 3.
Morris told parole commissioners that after his release he intends to work with not-for-profit agencies advocating parole reform. "I think there's a crying need for it," he said.
Related articles:
Reversing Course, Parole Board Set to Release Morris, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, April 24 2013)
After a Productive Two Years, Hank Morris Wins His Freedom, by Jacob Gershman (Wall Street Journal Law Blog, April 23 2013) (Includes a transcript of Morris's parole hearing)
Hank Morris, who aided corruption of disgraced ex-Controller Alan Hevesi, being freed in June, by Kenneth Lovett (New York Daily News, April 24 2013)
Breaking News: Hank Morris Wins Parole, by Ken Lovett (New York Daily News, April 23 2013)
Update: Hank Morris wins parole, out by June 3, by Chris Churchill (Timesunion.com, April 23 2013) (Includes Morris's Parole Board decision and release conditions)
Hank Morris wins parole, will be out by June 3, by Casey Seiler (Capitol Confidential, April 23 2013)
Parole Granted for Consultant in Corruption Case, by Jesse McKinley (New York Times, April 23 2013)
For further details of the case and earlier articles, see:
Hank Morris challenges parole compliance with the law (Parole News, April 19 2013)
April 19, 2013
Hank Morris challenges parole compliance with the law
Hank Morris, the imprisoned former political advisor to ex-Comptroller Alan Hevesi, has brought a legal challenge against the state Parole Board, claiming officials do not follow proper procedure.
At the heart of his challenge is that the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and the Board of Parole are violating New York law and its Constitution with impunity by conducting unlawful parole hearings that do not comply with statutory amendments that took effect on October 1, 2011.
These new laws mandate that written risk assessment procedures should be developed and utilized when making parole determinations, and that a transition accountability plan (TAP) should be developed for each inmate to be utilized when making parole determinations.
State Supreme Court Justice Richard Mott has ordered the state's parole board to swiftly grant Hank Morris a new parole hearing, finding the board "inexplicably" failed to fairly consider several factors in Morris's favor, including its own internal evaluation which indicates that Morris is no threat to society, and unjustly manipulated the process to keep him in prison for as long as possible. "Specifically, the record demonstrates that the board inexplicably failed to consider and weigh myriad relevant factors, all of which categorically supported petitioner's release on parole."
"Put simply, the amended statute required that respondent develop written procedures that implement risk and needs principles, determine the likelihood of an inmate's success upon release, and adopt those procedures as an exercise of its rule-making power," Mott stated. "Disregard of a legislative mandate through an administrative agency's inaction as here, is arbitrary and capricious."
The outcome of this case may affect as many as 15,000 inmates who have appeared before the board since the amendments to the legislation in 2011.
Morris's new parole hearing will take place on April 22.
Related articles:
Matter of Morris v New York State Dept. of Corr.and Community Supervision 2013 NY Slip Op 50604(U) (Decided on April 15, 2013)
Matter of Morris v New York State Dept. of Corr.and Community Supervision 2013 NY Slip Op 50603(U) (Decided on April 4 2013)
Parole Board Grants New Interview to Morris, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, 22 April 2013)
Parole board that thinks it's judge and jury, by Chris Churchill (Timesunion.com, April 20 2013)
For a Political Devil, Some Sympathy Please, by Jim Dwyer (New York Times, April 18 2013)
Judge Blasts Parole 'Machinations' to Delay Political Consultant's Release, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, April 18 2013)
Judge Says Parole Board Maneuvered to Keep Morris in Jail, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, April 17 2013)
Judge orders new NY parole hearing for Hank Morris (Wall Street Journal, April 15 2013)
Judge Orders New Parole Hearing for Hank Morris, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, April 15 2013)
State Supports Denial of Parole for Hank Morris, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, April 12 2013)
Hearing Set to Consider Parole Compliance With Law, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, April 8 2013)
Judge Won't Toss Morris Legal Challenge, by Nick Reisman (Capital Tonight, April 5 2013)
Parole Denied, Disgraced Political Guru Hank Morris Files Suit, by Nick Reisman (Capital Tonight, March 7 2013)
Hank Morris Denied Release by the Board of Parole (NYS DOCCS, November 15, 2012)
Alan Hevesi Granted Release by the Board of Parole (NYS DOCCS, November 15, 2012)
At the heart of his challenge is that the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and the Board of Parole are violating New York law and its Constitution with impunity by conducting unlawful parole hearings that do not comply with statutory amendments that took effect on October 1, 2011.
These new laws mandate that written risk assessment procedures should be developed and utilized when making parole determinations, and that a transition accountability plan (TAP) should be developed for each inmate to be utilized when making parole determinations.
State Supreme Court Justice Richard Mott has ordered the state's parole board to swiftly grant Hank Morris a new parole hearing, finding the board "inexplicably" failed to fairly consider several factors in Morris's favor, including its own internal evaluation which indicates that Morris is no threat to society, and unjustly manipulated the process to keep him in prison for as long as possible. "Specifically, the record demonstrates that the board inexplicably failed to consider and weigh myriad relevant factors, all of which categorically supported petitioner's release on parole."
"Put simply, the amended statute required that respondent develop written procedures that implement risk and needs principles, determine the likelihood of an inmate's success upon release, and adopt those procedures as an exercise of its rule-making power," Mott stated. "Disregard of a legislative mandate through an administrative agency's inaction as here, is arbitrary and capricious."
The outcome of this case may affect as many as 15,000 inmates who have appeared before the board since the amendments to the legislation in 2011.
Morris's new parole hearing will take place on April 22.
Related articles:
Matter of Morris v New York State Dept. of Corr.and Community Supervision 2013 NY Slip Op 50604(U) (Decided on April 15, 2013)
Matter of Morris v New York State Dept. of Corr.and Community Supervision 2013 NY Slip Op 50603(U) (Decided on April 4 2013)
Parole Board Grants New Interview to Morris, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, 22 April 2013)
Parole board that thinks it's judge and jury, by Chris Churchill (Timesunion.com, April 20 2013)
For a Political Devil, Some Sympathy Please, by Jim Dwyer (New York Times, April 18 2013)
Judge Blasts Parole 'Machinations' to Delay Political Consultant's Release, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, April 18 2013)
Judge Says Parole Board Maneuvered to Keep Morris in Jail, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, April 17 2013)
Judge orders new NY parole hearing for Hank Morris (Wall Street Journal, April 15 2013)
Judge Orders New Parole Hearing for Hank Morris, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, April 15 2013)
State Supports Denial of Parole for Hank Morris, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, April 12 2013)
Hearing Set to Consider Parole Compliance With Law, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, April 8 2013)
Judge Won't Toss Morris Legal Challenge, by Nick Reisman (Capital Tonight, April 5 2013)
Parole Denied, Disgraced Political Guru Hank Morris Files Suit, by Nick Reisman (Capital Tonight, March 7 2013)
Hank Morris Denied Release by the Board of Parole (NYS DOCCS, November 15, 2012)
Alan Hevesi Granted Release by the Board of Parole (NYS DOCCS, November 15, 2012)
March 15, 2013
Building Bridges - March 2013 edition
The March edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.
*** This edition of Building Bridges is dedicated to the memory of Jerry Balone, who died unexpectedly in his sleep on March 13. ***
Prison Action Network's brief summary is given below. Please see Building Bridges for full details, ways to help and get involved.
1. An apology repository exists but who knows how to find it? Do you?
2. Legislation reports: the Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, with Senator Patrick Gallivan as Chair, met on Wednesday March 13, to consider 11 bills. A video recording of their meeting is given here.
3. The call to end extreme isolation as a punishment is attracting more attention every day.
4. Parole news includes December 2012 statistics, 2012 summary pt.2, an update on the Thwaites case, and changes to the leadership of DOCCS and the Parole Board.
The Thwaites decision was avoided: the issue is moot. In 2011, Orange County Supreme Court Justice Lawrence Ecker ruled in the case of Douglas Thwaites that the revision of Executive Law 259 (c) not only required the parole board to put more weight on the rehabilitation of the inmate rather than the instant offense, but he also applied the revision retroactively. The Attorney General's Office urged the Appellate Division, Second Department, to overturn the ruling. Mr. Thwaites was released before the issue was decided and not for the first time, a challenge to parole's functioning was declared moot and thereby avoided. (From CURE-NY's Winter 2013 Newsletter.)
Changes in the leadership of DOCCS and the Parole Board:
DOCCS Commissioner Brian Fischer is retiring at the end of April.
Andrea Evans announced at a Public Safety Hearing that February 6 2013 was her last day as Chair of the Parole Board, but did not clarify whether she would be staying on as a Board Member. The Prison Action Network has heard that she will continue to serve in her role as Chair until replaced by the Governor.
5. Adolescent minds are not receiving the guidance needed, says Corey Parks of SNUG.
6. Appropriate prison programming may be a reality to Fischer, but not to some intended recipients, who explain.
7. Work for Success takes its show on the road, but where does the rubber meet the road?
8. RECONNECT offers job training to women recently released from prison.
9. Job Fair invites formerly incarcerated people to explore opportunities for a second chance.
10. Prison poetry project features former participants and a panel to demonstrate the value of art in rehabilitation.
11. Veterans' Memorial Day weekend retreat and symposium will combine rest and relaxation with efforts to provide better services for incarcerated veterans.
12. Please see Reentry Resource Center: New York's calendar for details of other meetings and events.
13. Black history and culture film series every Thursday in Albany, NY.
14. Knitting supplies are needed at Woodbourne Correctional Facility.
*** This edition of Building Bridges is dedicated to the memory of Jerry Balone, who died unexpectedly in his sleep on March 13. ***
Prison Action Network's brief summary is given below. Please see Building Bridges for full details, ways to help and get involved.
1. An apology repository exists but who knows how to find it? Do you?
2. Legislation reports: the Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, with Senator Patrick Gallivan as Chair, met on Wednesday March 13, to consider 11 bills. A video recording of their meeting is given here.
3. The call to end extreme isolation as a punishment is attracting more attention every day.
4. Parole news includes December 2012 statistics, 2012 summary pt.2, an update on the Thwaites case, and changes to the leadership of DOCCS and the Parole Board.
The Thwaites decision was avoided: the issue is moot. In 2011, Orange County Supreme Court Justice Lawrence Ecker ruled in the case of Douglas Thwaites that the revision of Executive Law 259 (c) not only required the parole board to put more weight on the rehabilitation of the inmate rather than the instant offense, but he also applied the revision retroactively. The Attorney General's Office urged the Appellate Division, Second Department, to overturn the ruling. Mr. Thwaites was released before the issue was decided and not for the first time, a challenge to parole's functioning was declared moot and thereby avoided. (From CURE-NY's Winter 2013 Newsletter.)
Changes in the leadership of DOCCS and the Parole Board:
DOCCS Commissioner Brian Fischer is retiring at the end of April.
Andrea Evans announced at a Public Safety Hearing that February 6 2013 was her last day as Chair of the Parole Board, but did not clarify whether she would be staying on as a Board Member. The Prison Action Network has heard that she will continue to serve in her role as Chair until replaced by the Governor.
5. Adolescent minds are not receiving the guidance needed, says Corey Parks of SNUG.
6. Appropriate prison programming may be a reality to Fischer, but not to some intended recipients, who explain.
7. Work for Success takes its show on the road, but where does the rubber meet the road?
8. RECONNECT offers job training to women recently released from prison.
9. Job Fair invites formerly incarcerated people to explore opportunities for a second chance.
10. Prison poetry project features former participants and a panel to demonstrate the value of art in rehabilitation.
11. Veterans' Memorial Day weekend retreat and symposium will combine rest and relaxation with efforts to provide better services for incarcerated veterans.
12. Please see Reentry Resource Center: New York's calendar for details of other meetings and events.
13. Black history and culture film series every Thursday in Albany, NY.
14. Knitting supplies are needed at Woodbourne Correctional Facility.
March 07, 2013
DOCCS chief Brian Fischer is retiring
Brian Fischer, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, has announced his retirement, effective April 30, 2013.
A Brooklyn native who has worked as a parole officer and was Superintendent of the Sing Sing Correctional Facility, Fischer has held cabinet posts since his 2007 appointment by Eliot Spitzer.
He was appointed Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Correctional Services effective January 1, 2007, was confirmed as Commissioner by the state Senate on March 12, 2007, and with the passage of the 2011-12 State Budget, became Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
He supervised the merger of the Department of Correctional Services with the Division of Parole in 2011.
In his March 4, 2013 letter to all staff, Commissioner Fischer said, "Together we have accomplished much, and I know that good things will continue to develop."
For further information, see:
Commissioner Brian Fischer Retirement (New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision)
Commissioner Brian Fischer's biography (New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision)
DOCCS chief Brian Fischer is retiring, by Jimmy Vielkind (Times Capitol bureau, March 5 2013)
A Brooklyn native who has worked as a parole officer and was Superintendent of the Sing Sing Correctional Facility, Fischer has held cabinet posts since his 2007 appointment by Eliot Spitzer.
He was appointed Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Correctional Services effective January 1, 2007, was confirmed as Commissioner by the state Senate on March 12, 2007, and with the passage of the 2011-12 State Budget, became Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
He supervised the merger of the Department of Correctional Services with the Division of Parole in 2011.
In his March 4, 2013 letter to all staff, Commissioner Fischer said, "Together we have accomplished much, and I know that good things will continue to develop."
For further information, see:
Commissioner Brian Fischer Retirement (New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision)
Commissioner Brian Fischer's biography (New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision)
DOCCS chief Brian Fischer is retiring, by Jimmy Vielkind (Times Capitol bureau, March 5 2013)
March 06, 2013
Inmate Cannot Clear His Name Without Evidence of Guilty Party
David McCallum "has a plethora of loyal advocates certain of his innocence, a pro bono legal team that has been working on his behalf for a decade, a supportive family that never has stopped believing in him and a district attorney who is willing to listen and even agreed to post-conviction DNA testing."
He has maintained a spotless disciplinary record while in prison, a "stunningly good record," and the parole board's own risk assessment places him at the lowest risk of re-offending, being arrested or absconding.
Yet he has been turned down for parole three times, at least in part because he refuses to accept responsibility for a crime he insists he did not commit.
His next parole hearing will be in April.
John Caher reports on McCallum's case:
Inmate Cannot Clear His Name Without Evidence of Guilty Party, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, March 6 2013)
He has maintained a spotless disciplinary record while in prison, a "stunningly good record," and the parole board's own risk assessment places him at the lowest risk of re-offending, being arrested or absconding.
Yet he has been turned down for parole three times, at least in part because he refuses to accept responsibility for a crime he insists he did not commit.
His next parole hearing will be in April.
John Caher reports on McCallum's case:
Inmate Cannot Clear His Name Without Evidence of Guilty Party, by John Caher (New York Law Journal, March 6 2013)
February 16, 2013
The Safe And Fair Evaluations (S.A.F.E.) Parole Act S1128/A4108: an update
Below is an encouraging update on the progress of the SAFE Parole Act, given by the Prison Action Network:
The Safe And Fair Evaluations (S.A.F.E.) Parole Act S1128/A4108
"There is good news! Much to our surprise, the SAFE Parole Act was introduced by Senator Kevin Parker (without even being asked!) and given its 2013 number, S1128. A few days later, Senator Kennedy signed on. In the Assembly, Speaker Pro Tempore Jeffrion Aubry sponsored it and it was given the number, A4108. Multi-sponsors Brennan, Crespo, Farrell, Gottfried, Scarborough, and co-sponsors Hevesi, Stevenson, and Clark also signed on.
Newly appointed to the leadership of the Assembly as the Speaker Pro Tempore, Jeffrion Aubry is no longer on the Corrections Committee, but is a member of the Assembly's Codes committee. He has been replaced as the Chair of the Assembly's Corrections Committee by Daniel O'Donnell, who signed on to the SAFE Parole Act last session, and hopefully will again this year.
Prison Action Network visited with Senator Parker and together we designed a strategy, which is basically to intensify what we have already been doing, sending our stories to Committees in both houses, and then to our own representatives, with copies sent to Senator Parker to show his colleagues how much support there is. He is not on the Senate's Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections Committee, but he is on Finance and Rules where many bills have to pass before going before the Senate for a vote. Both houses need to pass the bill before it can become a law, and the Governor has to sign it."
The Safe And Fair Evaluations (S.A.F.E.) Parole Act S1128/A4108
"There is good news! Much to our surprise, the SAFE Parole Act was introduced by Senator Kevin Parker (without even being asked!) and given its 2013 number, S1128. A few days later, Senator Kennedy signed on. In the Assembly, Speaker Pro Tempore Jeffrion Aubry sponsored it and it was given the number, A4108. Multi-sponsors Brennan, Crespo, Farrell, Gottfried, Scarborough, and co-sponsors Hevesi, Stevenson, and Clark also signed on.
Newly appointed to the leadership of the Assembly as the Speaker Pro Tempore, Jeffrion Aubry is no longer on the Corrections Committee, but is a member of the Assembly's Codes committee. He has been replaced as the Chair of the Assembly's Corrections Committee by Daniel O'Donnell, who signed on to the SAFE Parole Act last session, and hopefully will again this year.
Prison Action Network visited with Senator Parker and together we designed a strategy, which is basically to intensify what we have already been doing, sending our stories to Committees in both houses, and then to our own representatives, with copies sent to Senator Parker to show his colleagues how much support there is. He is not on the Senate's Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections Committee, but he is on Finance and Rules where many bills have to pass before going before the Senate for a vote. Both houses need to pass the bill before it can become a law, and the Governor has to sign it."
February 15, 2013
Building Bridges - February 2013 edition
The February edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.
Their brief summary is given below. Please see Building Bridges for full details and ways to help.
1. Legislation: update on the SAFE Parole Act; bills that were voted on by the NYS Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee at their meeting on February 6.
2. Parole News: a summary of 2012 releases. At the NYS Budget hearings on Public Safety on February 6, 2013 it was announced that Parole Board Chair Andrea Evans' term had expired. It is not clear whether she will stay on until her replacement is named and/or if she will be remaining as a Commissioner.
3. Veterans Day weekend conference, When Johnny Comes Marching Home...and Gets Arrested - From Honor to Dishonor and Back, will focus on the special needs of incarcerated War Veterans.
4. A Prison Is Not a Nursing Home: The Incarceration of the Elderly in New York State, a report by the New York State Prisoner Justice Network. The NYS Prisoner Justice Network calls on readers to build a strong movement with a clear message: people in prison, like those on the outside, deserve respect and decent care in their old age, and elders who pose no danger to the community should be released.
5. An invitation to join a group of advocates on March 2 to discuss the release of ageing people from prison.
6. Job opportunities for people with criminal histories and a good education.
7. Corey Parks is now working for Harlem SNUG, and shares with readers what SNUG is and does.
8. The Reentry Roundtable on February 20 will focus on legislative proposals that address barriers to effective reentry. Anita Marton and Kate Rubin will be the guest speakers.
9. An evening of film and theater on February 27 will make a case for providing access to higher education for people in prison.
10. Prison Voices Project, airing on WGXC, 90.7 FM, has a new time slot and a website. The producer is reaching out to incarcerated artists for a website logo.
11. Albany's Center for Law and Justice is presenting a ten week film series, starting on February 21, to present the story of the African American presence and experience in the Americas.
12. SAVE the dates! On April 5 and 6, Columbia University students will be presenting their third annual Criminal Justice Conference. Don't miss an event that gets better every year!
13. Visit the reentry.net/ny calendar for more events in your area.
Their brief summary is given below. Please see Building Bridges for full details and ways to help.
1. Legislation: update on the SAFE Parole Act; bills that were voted on by the NYS Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee at their meeting on February 6.
2. Parole News: a summary of 2012 releases. At the NYS Budget hearings on Public Safety on February 6, 2013 it was announced that Parole Board Chair Andrea Evans' term had expired. It is not clear whether she will stay on until her replacement is named and/or if she will be remaining as a Commissioner.
3. Veterans Day weekend conference, When Johnny Comes Marching Home...and Gets Arrested - From Honor to Dishonor and Back, will focus on the special needs of incarcerated War Veterans.
4. A Prison Is Not a Nursing Home: The Incarceration of the Elderly in New York State, a report by the New York State Prisoner Justice Network. The NYS Prisoner Justice Network calls on readers to build a strong movement with a clear message: people in prison, like those on the outside, deserve respect and decent care in their old age, and elders who pose no danger to the community should be released.
5. An invitation to join a group of advocates on March 2 to discuss the release of ageing people from prison.
6. Job opportunities for people with criminal histories and a good education.
7. Corey Parks is now working for Harlem SNUG, and shares with readers what SNUG is and does.
8. The Reentry Roundtable on February 20 will focus on legislative proposals that address barriers to effective reentry. Anita Marton and Kate Rubin will be the guest speakers.
9. An evening of film and theater on February 27 will make a case for providing access to higher education for people in prison.
10. Prison Voices Project, airing on WGXC, 90.7 FM, has a new time slot and a website. The producer is reaching out to incarcerated artists for a website logo.
11. Albany's Center for Law and Justice is presenting a ten week film series, starting on February 21, to present the story of the African American presence and experience in the Americas.
12. SAVE the dates! On April 5 and 6, Columbia University students will be presenting their third annual Criminal Justice Conference. Don't miss an event that gets better every year!
13. Visit the reentry.net/ny calendar for more events in your area.
January 15, 2013
Building Bridges - January 2013 edition
The January edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.
Their brief summary is given below. Please see Building Bridges for full details and ways to help.
1. Violence against women in prison.
2. End the Stigma/Expand Opportunities Campaign kicks off with screening of "The Long Shadow of Incarceration's Stigma".
3. Misconception, an article by an incarcerated columnist, says prisoners are not the violent animals the press would have us believe.
4. New Jim Crow Forum presentation in Brooklyn. Senator Eric Adams, Chris Johnson, Glenn Martin, Jason Meyers and parishioners at St. Mary's Episcopal Church Harlem will be speaking.
5. The Parole Reform Campaign hopes you will sign their pledge and give your suggestions.
6. Parole News - November and December releases include Peter Graziano; look for 2012 summary in February issue; comments from a parole applicant; claim that State parole violation rules have been eased.
One of the above December releases was Peter Graziano, a well known name throughout the NYS prison system as the lead plaintiff in Graziano et.al. Although the case was lost, many of the 'et.al' have been released, and now in January Mr. Graziano will also be going home. It was his seventh hearing. He thanks everyone who supported the lawsuit over the years.
Parole Revocation Barred for Defendant Unfit to Stand Trial
The above titled article by John Caher published in the New York Law Journal on January 2 2013 reports that the Appellate Division, First Department, has held in Matter of Lopez v. Evans, 2012 NY Slip Op 09188 that a parolee found mentally incompetent to stand trial on new charges is also unfit to proceed with a parole revocation hearing. Based on the same conduct that led to the charges, Lopez's parole was revoked by an administrative panel that found "mental illness is not an excuse for a parole violation".
7. Commissioner Brian Fischer's testimony on Educational and Vocational Programs in Prison (November 29 2012).
8. Reentry.net/NY calendar lists events and meetings in your area on issues you may care about.
9. Supportive Housing is in trouble.
10. Tribute Dinner to family members of political prisoners and prisoners of war.
11. Yale Law Journal announces winners - four New Yorkers are among them.
Their brief summary is given below. Please see Building Bridges for full details and ways to help.
1. Violence against women in prison.
2. End the Stigma/Expand Opportunities Campaign kicks off with screening of "The Long Shadow of Incarceration's Stigma".
3. Misconception, an article by an incarcerated columnist, says prisoners are not the violent animals the press would have us believe.
4. New Jim Crow Forum presentation in Brooklyn. Senator Eric Adams, Chris Johnson, Glenn Martin, Jason Meyers and parishioners at St. Mary's Episcopal Church Harlem will be speaking.
5. The Parole Reform Campaign hopes you will sign their pledge and give your suggestions.
6. Parole News - November and December releases include Peter Graziano; look for 2012 summary in February issue; comments from a parole applicant; claim that State parole violation rules have been eased.
One of the above December releases was Peter Graziano, a well known name throughout the NYS prison system as the lead plaintiff in Graziano et.al. Although the case was lost, many of the 'et.al' have been released, and now in January Mr. Graziano will also be going home. It was his seventh hearing. He thanks everyone who supported the lawsuit over the years.
Parole Revocation Barred for Defendant Unfit to Stand Trial
The above titled article by John Caher published in the New York Law Journal on January 2 2013 reports that the Appellate Division, First Department, has held in Matter of Lopez v. Evans, 2012 NY Slip Op 09188 that a parolee found mentally incompetent to stand trial on new charges is also unfit to proceed with a parole revocation hearing. Based on the same conduct that led to the charges, Lopez's parole was revoked by an administrative panel that found "mental illness is not an excuse for a parole violation".
7. Commissioner Brian Fischer's testimony on Educational and Vocational Programs in Prison (November 29 2012).
8. Reentry.net/NY calendar lists events and meetings in your area on issues you may care about.
9. Supportive Housing is in trouble.
10. Tribute Dinner to family members of political prisoners and prisoners of war.
11. Yale Law Journal announces winners - four New Yorkers are among them.
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