tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25416659232490322272012-01-31T05:49:22.507-05:00Information relevant to parole reform in New York StateParole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comBlogger1501100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-65400827728788355672012-01-31T03:18:00.000-05:002012-01-31T03:30:04.315-05:00

In 2009, the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported that 1.4 million adults had spent at least some time on parole supervision nationally and of those exiting supervision during that same year, 34% were re-incarcerated and 11% had another unsuccessful outcome, including revocation without incarceration or absconding (Glaze and Bonzcar, 2010). There is not much information, however, on parolees in

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-55593212546990757742012-01-15T11:50:00.000-05:002012-01-15T11:55:33.727-05:00

The January edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network. Articles in this issue include the following: 1. Crime After Crime, a powerful documentary film about a woman who was sentenced to 25-Life for her role in the death of her abusive boyfriend. She and a pair of pro-bono rookie attorneys take viewers with them as they encounter the corrupt and politically driven

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-42899658292394068442011-12-24T15:42:00.001-05:002012-01-23T13:02:26.309-05:00

Extracts from article: A judge has ordered the state parole board to retroactively apply a new provision requiring it to consider the rehabilitation of an inmate and not base a denial of release on an offense that may have occurred decades in the past. The decision, if upheld, could entitle scores of inmates to new parole interviews. Orange County Supreme Court Justice Lawrence H. Ecker, in

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-77108070445314218372011-12-24T15:30:00.000-05:002012-01-23T13:03:08.687-05:00

Extract from article: The Appellate Division, Third Department, has refused to reinstate an action on behalf of violent felons who contend the parole board has systematically violated state law in routinely denying release to Class A-1 convicts. The same issue was unsuccessfully litigated in federal court. Graziano v. Evans, 512150, is the state court version of Graziano v. Pataki, 7:06-cv-

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-11146521803063620172011-12-23T05:44:00.000-05:002012-01-15T11:58:29.515-05:00

Extract from Building Bridges, December 2011: Transitional Accountability Plans (TAP) and Risk and Needs Assessment (COMPAS) From the testimony of Andrea Evans, Chairwoman of the Board of Parole, before the Assembly Committee on Correction, Nov 10, 2011, we gained some further insight into how TAP and Risk and Needs Assessments will be used in parole decisions. The following information is from

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-11746643764377937882011-12-17T04:40:00.000-05:002011-12-17T12:14:25.932-05:00

Recent Study Confirms that Cognitive Behavioral Intervention Works to Reduce Recidivism by Lama Hassoun, Researcher at the Harlem Community Justice Center, December 12 2011 Over the last 10 years, many research studies have looked at how effective Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) programs are and their impact on those who participate. In 2007, a comprehensive research study attempted to

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-5097598796079248822011-12-16T03:00:00.000-05:002011-12-17T04:37:34.118-05:00

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT, a series of articles presented by the Coalition For Fair Criminal Justice Policies to explain and support the SAFE Parole Act. Part 3: Release, Reentry, Reintegration: how the SAFE Parole Act is necessary for all three, by Larry White The Importance of the Safe and Fair Evaluations (S.A.F.E.) Parole Act in Making Decisions about Release, Reentry, and Reintegration

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-74235202732336537542011-12-15T03:16:00.000-05:002011-12-15T05:40:55.042-05:00

The December edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network. Articles in this issue include the following: 1. Attica - The Correctional Association (CA) of New York visited Attica C. F. on April 12 and 13, 2011 and reports that Attica has changed significantly since 1971, although some severe problems do persist. So severe that Director Soffiyah Elijah concludes that

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-15872040422022167842011-11-17T03:23:00.002-05:002011-12-15T03:38:10.041-05:00

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT, a series of articles presented by the Coalition For Fair Criminal Justice Policies to explain and support the SAFE Parole Act. Part 2: The Success of the Merger Depends on the Implementation of the SAFE Parole Act, by Larry White (delivered at the NYS Assembly's Nov. 10 Public Hearing on the DOCCS Merger). I believe with great conviction that incarcerated

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-43841090023597485482011-11-16T23:11:00.002-05:002011-11-17T03:29:27.518-05:00

The November edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.Articles relating to parole in this issue include the following:* Governor Andrew Cuomo will be appointing judges to the Appellate Division and the Court of Appeals, particularly if he serves two terms. The Prison Action Network hopes this will lead to more reintegrative sentencing in NYS
.* Decision Fatigue is

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-85464800516731016482011-11-08T03:32:00.007-05:002011-11-08T09:10:32.707-05:00

The revision of Executive Law §259(c) included in this year's executive budget requires the parole board to establish and apply "risk and needs principles to measure the rehabilitation of persons appearing before the board" and the likelihood of success should the offender be released. In the past, the board "could" consider those factors; now it "must" consider them.Winston Moseley was among the

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-50164445023972724712011-10-23T07:01:00.003-04:002011-11-01T07:14:48.628-04:00

Extract from article:Yohannes Johnson is serving 75 years to life in a remote upstate New York prison, behind 30-foot concrete walls and locked steel doors, 300 miles and 30 years and 10 months from home in New York City.He measures time in long, slow, personal change. And he maintains hope he will, someday, walk outside the Clinton Correction Facility."One thing I don't do is subject myself to

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-77768878832517814812011-10-21T07:10:00.002-04:002011-11-01T07:15:11.750-04:00

Extract from article:The rising number of prisoners serving costly life terms across the country is complicating state officials' efforts to make dramatic cuts to large prison budgets, lawmakers and criminal justice officials said.From 1984 to 2008, the number of offenders serving life terms quadrupled, from 34,000 to roughly 140,000, according to the most recent count by The Sentencing Project,

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-82455944439908662482011-10-14T03:34:00.006-04:002011-10-14T03:49:21.491-04:00

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT, a series of articles presented by the Coalition For Fair Criminal Justice Policies to explain and support the SAFE Parole Act.Part 1: Why we need to continue working for passage of the Safe Parole ActIn his September 1, 2011 New York Law Journal article, Professor Philip Genty shares with readers his optimism for parole reform, as he attempts to interpret the

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-9638537628227274092011-10-13T03:15:00.001-04:002011-10-14T03:29:32.859-04:00

The October edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.Articles in this edition include:1. Prison Children Anonymous: Children who have or once had a parent, sibling or loved one involved in the criminal justice system, now have a place to receive emotional support and learn about our penal system. 2. Citizens Against Recidivism 5th Annual Citizens’ Awards Event,

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-38910681630720059072011-10-07T16:19:00.004-04:002011-10-08T05:13:27.186-04:00

The NYSACDL [New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers] has joined a growing list of legal, advocacy and community organizations that have called for the reform of New York parole law. This diverse coalition supports the Safe And Fair Evaluation of Parole Act, also known as the SAFE Parole Act. The SAFE Parole Act would amend New York’s existing parole statute, Executive Law § 259-i.

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-72723971197030422372011-10-01T07:27:00.008-04:002011-10-07T04:28:56.107-04:00

The revision of Executive Law §259(c) in the new budget legislation this year requires the parole board to establish and apply "risk and needs principles to measure the rehabilitation of persons appearing before the board" and to take into account the likelihood of success should the offender be released. In the past, the board "could" consider those factors; as of today it "must" consider them.

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-82043175494919525862011-09-25T08:04:00.002-04:002011-10-03T08:14:15.413-04:00

"...The American Law Institute, a group composed of judges, lawyers and legal scholars, has wisely called for restricting the use of the penalty to cases “when this sanction is the sole alternative to a death sentence.”In capital cases, life without parole is a sound option. Public support for the death penalty, a barbarity that should be abolished in this country, plummets when life without

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-6282634041460243052011-09-16T03:43:00.004-04:002011-09-16T08:10:55.672-04:00

The September edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.Articles in this edition include:1. Attica: NYC's Attica Is Us event focused on the messages we can take from the 1971 Rebellion; Buffalo engaged in educating the public about the impact of incarceration on individuals and the community, and Mika'il DeVeaux used his memory of the day to write a piece reminding

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-46714155677180309832011-09-15T03:09:00.004-04:002011-12-24T17:35:54.587-05:00

The following extracts from this article by Philip M. Genty, referring to Governor Cuomo's revision, are taken from Building Bridges: "...In his article [condensed here] Prof. Genty holds that the most significant reform in Gov. Cuomo’s revision was the removal of Section 1. In 1978, the Parole Board announced its guidelines for setting the minimum sentence, which Section 1 gave them

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-91902313331918098902011-08-20T09:37:00.006-04:002011-08-20T09:53:03.451-04:00

J. Soffiyah Elijah took office as the executive director of the Correctional Association of New York (CA) on March 14 — and while she acknowledges that she is still settling into that role, she has declared herself to be an ardent advocate of the ongoing parole reform movement. The CA is one of only two private organizations in the country (and the only one in New York) with legislative authority

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-18764324405836468372011-08-16T02:44:00.007-04:002011-08-20T06:59:40.570-04:00

The August edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network. Summary of articles in this issue: 1. Activism: most of this issue is devoted to letting you know about all the interesting things going on this month; lots of picnics, parades, and less business meetings than usual. A great way to get comfortable with other people who share your situation and your interests. 2.

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-53796857475246288402011-07-14T15:44:00.002-04:002011-07-14T15:49:15.675-04:00

The July edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.Summary of articles in this issue:1. Activism: actions, classes, events and meetings happening around the state this month. 2. Full details of the legislation introduced this year in the Assembly’s Correction Committee and/or the Senate’s Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections Committee. Twenty-six bills, some good,

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-35009730039152533922011-07-01T03:16:00.003-04:002011-07-01T03:52:14.908-04:00

The Cuomo administration, following through on one of the most contentious cutbacks included in the state budget, said Thursday that it would close seven of New York’s dozens of prisons, including a facility in the Bronx and one on Staten Island.The prisons to be shut down include three medium-security facilities: Arthur Kill Correctional Facility on Staten Island, Oneida Correctional Facility in

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-9489810118377807112011-06-16T16:43:00.001-04:002011-10-07T17:06:15.975-04:00

On May 13, State Senator Duane introduced the Safe and Fair Evaluations (SAFE) Parole Act to the Senate’s Crime and Correction Committee. The bill would provide landmark reform to New York’s parole system by amending paragraphs “a” and “c” of Executive Law § 259-i, which dictate current procedures for parole hearings.“I’ve heard directly from so many inmates who’ve been unfairly denied parole,”

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-80388369258156272402011-06-15T05:18:00.005-04:002011-06-15T05:28:14.299-04:00

The June edition of Building Bridges has just been released by the Prison Action Network.Summary of articles in this issue:1. Nine actions, events and meetings you can attend to be part of the solution.2. Citizens Against Recidivism offers 13-week program for adults who want help with their anger problem. 3. Legislative Report on a good bill that was vetoed, two bad bills that were passed, and

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-54151114147935850722011-05-18T10:52:00.008-04:002011-10-07T17:08:54.748-04:00

The state Senate have passed a bill that would make it easier for New Yorkers to find out if their neighbor has a violent past.The legislation would create a statewide violent offender registry, similar to the one in place for sex offenders. The bill, S3645C, also known as Brittany's Law, was introduced by Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, and has 14 co-sponsors, including Mike Nozzolio, R-Fayette.The

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-69112942514322101172011-05-16T03:40:00.003-04:002011-05-16T03:48:45.996-04:00

The May edition of Building Bridges has just been released by the Prison Action Network.Summary of articles in this issue:1. Actions, Event and Meetings include Coalition for Women Prisoners Advocacy Day in Albany on behalf of the the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act. [with dates for NYC and phone pre-trainings]; Presentation of the SAFE Parole Act on March 19 at the Chelsea Reform Dem

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-75899484807496732452011-05-15T03:26:00.002-04:002011-10-07T17:06:55.188-04:00

The NYS Parole Reform Campaign reports that Senator Tom Duane is sponsoring the SAFE Parole Act in the Senate, where it is Bill #S5374, and Jeffrion Aubry has sponsored it in the Assembly, Bill #A7939.News from the Prison Action Network:Now that the SAFE Parole Act has a bill number and a sponsor, it's time for the heavy lifting. Not in the weight room but in the legislature. We need to build a

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-18829723888498605632011-04-27T07:48:00.000-04:002011-04-27T12:56:41.420-04:00

"Where will the ax fall? Mid-Orange Correctional Facility in Warwick? The state prison just outside Otisville? The medium-security site near the Ulster County hamlet of Wallkill?Nearly two months after state lawmakers passed a belt-tightening budget, more than 2,800 prison employees working in this region are awaiting a lingering decision that could upend their lives: Which prisons will Gov.

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-25708223809392337402011-04-26T10:08:00.001-04:002011-10-07T17:03:42.710-04:00

Commissioner Brian Fischer has released a Fact Sheet highlighting how the merger of DOCS and Parole came about and the manner in which the new agency, Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, will operate. The document also details the Parole Board’s independence as stated in statute, and its continued responsibilities.Full details are given below:Merger of Department of Correctional

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-86128607849714276152011-04-15T02:21:00.000-04:002011-04-28T02:30:20.896-04:00

More than four in ten offenders nationwide return to state prison within three years of their release despite a massive increase in state spending on prisons, according to a Pew report.States today spend more than $50 billion a year on corrections, yet recidivism rates remain stubbornly high. As the slumping economy forces states to do more with less, policy makers are looking for a better public

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-78714379151281223902011-04-14T03:58:00.003-04:002011-10-07T17:03:59.717-04:00

The April edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.Of particular interest to parole reform in this edition:7. The NYS Parole Campaign has attracted 4 more organizations who support the SAFE Parole Act.: Center for Nuleadership on Urban Solutions, Institute for Juvenile Justice Reform and Alternatives, Greenhope Services for Women, Inc., and the Morningside Monthly

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-55115342142774049402011-03-16T17:36:00.004-04:002011-03-22T17:44:22.115-04:00

Research from Building Bridges, March 2011:"Building Bridges submitted a FOIL Request to Parole and received 9 months worth of commissioners' names who were present for hearing from 1/1/10-9/15/10 (approximately 180 hearings). We wanted to learn if there was any substance to readers' protests that some commissioners never release people with A1 violent felony convictions at the completion of

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-73688112295676522572011-03-15T11:18:00.005-04:002011-03-15T11:25:57.920-04:00

The March edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.Summaries of Articles:1. Actions, events, and meetings are listed geographically and chronologically, so you can easily check for those in your area at times you are free. Three legislative advocacy days are listed (under Actions). These are excellent opportunities to get comfortable talking to legislators. If you

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-55634824211609158512011-03-11T09:12:00.003-05:002011-03-15T09:18:37.020-04:00

Joel Stashenko discusses Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's proposals for parole reform in New York, raising concerns about the control of the parole board and the proposed reduction in the number of authorized parole commissioners from 19 to 13. Parole Boards Would Lose Authority Under Cuomo Plan (New York Law Journal, March 11 2011)Traditionally, three commissioners have heard applications for parole.“

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-77940275415774902842011-02-23T07:07:00.011-05:002011-02-25T06:44:20.209-05:00

Tom Grant, member of the NYS Board of Parole from May 2004 to June 2010 joins the Board of CURE-NY and reflects on his experiences as a Parole Commissioner.From CURE-NY's Winter 2011 Newsletter:Mr. Grant was a Member of the NYS Board of Parole from May, 2004 thru June, 2010. Immediately prior to his appointment to the Board he served as the Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Board for

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-17240411166841159792011-02-15T10:56:00.003-05:002011-02-15T11:05:46.534-05:00

Details of the Purpose and Intent Statement for the Safe and Fair Evaluations (SAFE) Parole Act—proposed by the NYS Parole Reform Campaign.DELETION OF SUBDIVISION 1: This section of the statute is outdated and no longer relevant. In 1980, the legislature placed the full responsibility for setting the minimum period of imprisonment on the courts, determining that the courts were better suited than

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-88547076785329879762011-02-15T10:49:00.003-05:002011-02-15T11:07:03.168-05:00

The February edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.Items covered this month include:1. Actions, events and meetings including information regarding researching parole denials, writing to the governor in support of the SAFE Parole Act, using an outline provided to help you communicate with your legislators.2. The Correctional Association has appointed J. Soffiyah

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-58614925401818079672011-02-09T11:15:00.016-05:002011-04-19T04:14:11.237-04:00

Executive Budget Legislation. This includes the proposed amendments to the Parole Statute, Executive Law §259. Bill S2812: Enacts into law major components of legislation necessary to implement the state fiscal plan for the 2011-2012 state fiscal year.Summary of Bill S2812:"Amd Various Laws, generally.Enacts the financial regulation and protection act as a new consolidated chapter; repeals

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-49946388216421828772011-02-02T04:10:00.009-05:002011-02-25T13:51:02.205-05:00

From the Poughkeepsie Journal:"The proposal is already meeting resistance from the union that represents correction officers. The mostly Republican lawmakers who represent the largely rural, upstate areas with prisons and youth centers may also oppose the closures and consolidations.Cuomo, in his budget presentation, said the plan would need to move forward rapidly in order to save money."We are

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-39210309366461426542011-02-01T13:12:00.012-05:002011-04-17T04:05:10.893-04:00

Proposals in Governor Andrew Cuomo's 2011-12 Executive Budget include "merging the Department of Correctional Services and the Division of Parole into the new Department of Corrections and Community Supervision; consolidating the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, the Office of Victim Services and the State Commission of Correction into the Division of Criminal Justice Services..." "

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-16185562809755180392011-01-29T04:18:00.007-05:002011-02-01T12:58:57.868-05:00

Under pressure before the budget, Cuomo appears to be scaling back his plans for prison reform."Nearly a month ago, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo made a call to close some prisons an emotional capstone of his first annual address to the Legislature, vowing, to sustained applause from fellow Democrats, that underused prisons would no longer be “an employment program” for upstate New York.The issue has long

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-5637111195389620432011-01-15T04:37:00.004-05:002011-01-15T04:43:41.799-05:00

The January edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.Topics covered this month include:1. Actions, meetings and events happening around the state this month.2. A good place to start cutting; NY Times article on Cuomo's speech.3. Job opportunities with the Legal Action Center.4. The New Jim Crow, Chapter 3 quotes.5. NYS Parole Reform Campaign Report.6. NYS Prisoner

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-89285853859364244632011-01-07T07:26:00.007-05:002011-01-29T04:43:40.852-05:00

Governor Andrew Cuomo on prison reform:A Good Place to Start Cutting (New York Times, January 6 2011)Gov. Andrew Cuomo struck just the right tone on both adult prison reform and juvenile justice reform in his first State of the State address on Wednesday. He said that New York could no longer afford to keep hugely expensive but unneeded facilities open to serve as "an employment program" for

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-74411902926126987072011-01-06T06:59:00.003-05:002011-01-07T07:16:53.065-05:00

Update on Merit Time Bill S00329, sponsored by Senator Velmanette Montgomery:01/05/2011: Referred to Crime Victims, Crime and Correction.Bill S00329 Summary:Allows certain inmates to be granted a merit time allowance; allows inmates who are victims are able to prove that they were subjected to substantial physical, sexual or psychological abuse, that the abuse was inflicted by a member of their

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-51251613429665488812011-01-05T06:56:00.002-05:002011-01-22T07:01:28.803-05:00

Governor Andrew Cuomo's statement on prison reform, from the State of the State Address, January 5 2011:"...For those of us who are old enough to remember Willowbrook, it brings back very bad memories. When we think about our current juvenile justice facilities, I believe there are echoes of what we dealt with in Willowbrook. You have juvenile justice facilities today where we have young people

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-66406877908823461872011-01-03T13:34:00.006-05:002011-01-07T07:48:54.220-05:00

Felony Convictions of Parole Releasees at 10-year LowLess than 3 percent of releasees returned State Prison for committing a new felonyFor Immediate Release: Thursday, December 30Andrea W. Evans, Chairwoman of the New York State Board of Parole and Chief Executive Officer of the Division of Parole today announced that the percentage of releasees returned to State Prison for committing a new crime

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-17673420746850929562010-12-22T06:20:00.004-05:002011-01-22T06:37:45.493-05:00

Cop-Killers Not Gaming SystemPBA's 'Parole-Shopping' Claim An Urban LegendBy ANDREA W. EVANS Published in The Chief, Letters to the Editor, December 10, 2010Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Patrick J. Lynch has gotten a lot of mileage in the media in recent weeks (see The Chief, Dec. 3 issue: "PBA: Stop Cop Killers' Parole-Shopping") with the allegation that cop-killing inmates are

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-36679714630498150022010-12-15T13:35:00.003-05:002010-12-15T16:49:05.027-05:00

A major disappointment in the Graziano v. Pataki federal civil rights case, which aims to restore justice and fairness to the parole hearings of inmates convicted of violent felonies.GRAZIANO v. PATAKI update from the Prison Action Network:On Friday, Dec 10 2010, Judge Seibel of the US District Court, Southern District of New York, dismissed the above-referenced case under Federal Rule of Civil

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-1858097768142838222010-12-15T13:15:00.005-05:002010-12-15T13:36:22.460-05:00

The December edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.Topics covered this month include:1. Activism: actions, meetings and events2. Buffalo’s Jerry Balone inspires students3. Introducing the In Your Face Movement4. The New Jim Crow, Chapter 2 quotes5. Lifers and Longtermers Clearinghouse by Larry Luqman White6. NYS Parole Reform Campaign - time to take two steps

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-78293005655668696032010-12-07T10:07:00.003-05:002011-01-07T07:42:06.498-05:00

Liberate N.Y. from its prisons, by Robert Gangi. (Albany Times Union, Tuesday, December 7, 2010)Despite a sharply declining prison population and the very real need to cut state agency budgets, New York has closed hardly any of its underutilized prisons. For example, the state budget approved earlier this year included eliminating funding for just 450 beds.More ambitious plans to shut facilities

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-35300459233910414232010-11-15T13:14:00.003-05:002010-11-15T13:20:06.299-05:00

The November edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.Topics covered this month include:1. Activism: actions, meetings and events.2. Criminal history records present problems in college admissions.3. CPR Prison leadership training program.4. CA reports on abuses in juvenile system.5. FRPs and Free Bus application process.6. ICARE reports on expansion of program and

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-40266195767081550582010-10-15T03:34:00.001-04:002010-10-15T03:40:39.276-04:00

The October edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.Topics covered this month include:1. Activism: actions, meetings and events 2. Campaign for Parole Reform 3. Erie County Prisoners Rights Coalition 4. Mental Health Guide 5. Parole News 6. Sen. Schneiderman and Rev. Sharpton 7. Voting Rights Rally 8. Women's special needs 9. Work Release letter sent to governor

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-90694736774268655842010-09-16T02:58:00.004-04:002010-10-15T03:39:05.939-04:00

The September edition of Building Bridges has been issued by the Prison Action Network.Topics covered this month include:1. Activities for advocates; statewide2. Campaign for Parole Reform3. Clemency application deadline Oct.14. Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act5. Erie County Prisoners Rights Coalition6. ICARE column7. Job Ops in Capital District and NYC8. Legislation Updates9. Marilyn Buck

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-84407551094230596072010-08-13T10:51:00.005-04:002010-10-15T03:42:30.220-04:00

The August edition of Building Bridges has just been issued by the Prison Action Network.Topics covered this month include:1. Activities for advocates; statewide2. Campaign for Parole Reform3. Castle Gardens4. Erie County Prisoners Rights Coalition5. Job Op: Director of Reentry Institute6. Legislation Updates7. Parole News8. Prison Media9. Prisoners of the Census10. Restorative JusticeOf

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-9538278184135523422010-08-10T22:34:00.012-04:002010-08-12T11:28:44.280-04:00

Disgraced former Republican Assemblyman and "tough on crime" New York Parole Commissioner George "Chris" Ortloff received his sentence in Albany today for attempting to arrange the rape of two preteen girls at a Colonie motel through their "mother", an undercover State police investigator.His sentencing, postponed five times while negotiations took place, has been followed intently by lawmakers

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-18232537395049580242010-07-16T03:24:00.006-04:002010-07-16T03:43:40.057-04:00

The July edition of Building Bridges has just been issued by the Prison Action Network.Items in this edition include:1. Activities for Advocates - State-wide2. Coalition for Fair Criminal Justice Policies: on 259-i progress3. Erie County Prisoners Rights Coalition4. ICARE on celebrating independence5. Legislation; one passed, one to go6. Lifers and Longtermers Clearinghouse on the visit of Andrea

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-10416939131841943872010-07-12T05:48:00.016-04:002010-08-11T03:12:38.614-04:00

Former Assemblyman and New York Parole Commissioner Chris Ortloff's sentencing on child sex charges has been delayed for a fifth time.Ortloff was due for sentencing on July 13, but according to U.S. Assistant District Attorney Thomas Spina, the proceedings have been pushed back until 2:30 p.m. August 10 in Albany.This delay, as with the others, was granted to allow the defense more time to

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-65686176047080919502010-07-07T18:13:00.016-04:002010-07-21T14:58:44.685-04:00

The controversy over parole reform continues, with the sponsoring of the following new Bills to amend the Parole Statute, Executive Law §259 (i). Bills S08259 and S08260 were introduced by Senator Martin J. Golden, while Bill S08360 was introduced by Senator Michael F. Nozzolio. Once again, Senator Golden focuses on denying parole to inmates who have killed a police officer, regardless of an

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-44413986180380463092010-07-04T18:40:00.011-04:002010-12-15T14:55:07.762-05:00

Five new members of the New York State Board of Parole have been approved by the Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction, Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, Chair. Governor Paterson has withdrawn a previous recommendation to reduce the number of parole commissioners from 19 to 13.On Thursday, June 17, 2010 the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction approved the

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-85975220371881537502010-07-03T07:20:00.010-04:002010-07-16T04:46:40.922-04:00

Shu'aib Raheem is finally paroled, amid furore from the media.See articles below:Outrage As Convicted Cop Killer Walks Free In New York (myfoxdetroit.com, July 3 2010)Man convicted in 1973 cop slay freed (New York Post, July 3 2010)Police blast release of man in 1973 officer slay (Associated Press, July 3 2010)Cop killer Shu'aib Raheem paroled 37 years later, NYPD outraged by decision (New York

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-19119257641731152202010-06-15T03:23:00.006-04:002011-10-07T17:07:27.969-04:00

The June edition of Building Bridges has just been issued by the Prison Action Network.Items in this edition include:1. Activities for advocates: Statewide, Albany, Bronx, Buffalo, Manhattan2. CCR has filed federal lawsuit3. Coalition for Fair Criminal Justice Policies - on 259-i4. ICARE Community Educator5. Legislation6. Parole news7. Prison mediaUpdate on the work of the Coalition for Fair

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-27784563965010892062010-06-08T04:49:00.028-04:002010-07-08T17:29:21.633-04:00

Amid the ongoing controversy over the parole release of violent criminals and the injustice and inconsistencies inherent in New York State's Parole Statute, Shu'aib A. Raheem has won his release from prison. His particular case has caused much dispute but finally, at his rescission hearing on Thursday June 3rd, the Parole Board voted 2 to 1 to free him. According to officials, Parole Board

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-2013808334871424292010-06-06T06:59:00.001-04:002010-06-15T07:25:08.751-04:00

Convicted of Murder as Teenager and Paroled at 41, by Trymaine Lee (New York Times, June 4 2010)A story in the New York Times follows Diana Ortiz through all her parole hearings. Ortiz was sentenced to 17 years to Life for her role in the killing of an off-duty police officer in 1983. Robert Dennison was Chairman of the Parole Board that finally freed her, after she had spent more than half her

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-91275787907138851892010-05-17T04:28:00.005-04:002010-05-17T04:34:35.454-04:00

The May edition of Building Bridges has just been issued by the Prison Action Network.Items covered in this edition include:1. Activities for advocates; statewide2. Coalition for Fair Criminal Justice Policies report3. Erie County Prisoners Rights Coalition4. ICARE - Mother's Day Poem5. Job Training Opportunity6. Legislation7. Medical Parole8. Milk Not Jails9. NYS Prisoner Justice Network10.

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-38677432824265856822010-04-01T14:45:00.007-04:002010-04-01T14:55:22.633-04:00

The April edition of Building Bridges is now available from the Prison Action Network. (N.B. There will be no May issue of Building Bridges, as the editor is taking a month's sabbatical.)Items covered in this issue include:1. Activities for advocates, statewide2. Coalition ready to move forward3. Downscaling prisons4. Drug war analysis is subject of book by Michelle Alexander5. ICARE column -

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-30263083933904422892010-03-03T06:28:00.003-05:002010-07-22T05:59:02.790-04:00

Former Assemblyman and New York Parole Commissioner Chris Ortloff's sentencing on child sex charges has been delayed for a fourth time.Ortloff's sentencing, scheduled this time for March 8, has been pushed back until 11 a.m. on July 13 in Albany, Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Spina said Monday. Ortloff remains in jail, however."The defense filed a memorandum requesting the adjournment, citing

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-65174392950769370602010-03-01T13:53:00.009-05:002010-03-01T14:22:57.111-05:00

The March edition of Building Bridges is now available from the Prison Action Network.Items covered in this issue include:1. Activities for advocates, statewide2. Coalition initiates campaign for parole reform3. ICARE on DOH oversight of DOCS HIV/AIDS treatment4. Job opportunities5. Know Your Rights Project for immigrant detainees6. Legislation watch7. Medicaid and disability program rules8.

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-82899456177232270572010-02-03T09:43:00.009-05:002010-02-04T03:09:52.908-05:00

New York's new state guidelines for medical parole release may have led to a surge in applications for early release on medical grounds — 202 inmates last year, compared with 66 in 2008 — but they have had little effect on the outcome. Originally, the compassionate-release law provided early release to inmates suffering from terminal illness or permanent disability, with the exception of those

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-59865360466922203642010-02-02T04:34:00.004-05:002010-06-01T14:13:43.472-04:00

Details of the current members of the New York State Board of Parole may be found here.

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-16896461579033814372010-02-01T17:02:00.019-05:002010-02-02T09:08:41.969-05:00

The February edition of Building Bridges is now available from the Prison Action Network.Items covered in this issue include:1. Activities for advocates, statewide2. CFFCJP reveals proposal for 259-i revision3. ICARE on Black History Month4. Legislation Watch5. Medical Parole releases6. NJ's progressive criminal justice legislation7. NYS Prisoner Justice Conference8. Parole News9. Prison Media:

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-75850216214376933962010-01-31T18:45:00.002-05:002010-02-18T06:19:47.108-05:00

"ALBANY — The state Parole Board, whose members make $101,600 each for the politically appointed posts, would be cut from 19 members to 13 under a proposal by Gov. David Paterson.Paterson wants to cut the board and save the state more than $600,000 a year because the number of hearings the members attended has plummeted 32 percent, from 36,046 in 1995 to 24,662 in 2008.Despite the decreased

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-61878630801884270862010-01-29T16:34:00.002-05:002010-07-16T03:29:52.570-04:00

ALBANY, NY - New York State Board of Parole chairwoman and CEO Andrea W. Evans today announced that Jared Brown has been appointed as a member of the New York State Parole Board. The new appointment will leave three seats vacant on the 19-seat Parole Board.Governor David A. Paterson nominated Brown on June 15, 2009. He was confirmed by the State Senate on January 26, 2010. The term for

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-51906035315179996312010-01-01T04:45:00.006-05:002010-01-01T04:53:25.632-05:00

The January edition of Building Bridges is now available from the Prison Action Network.Items covered in this issue include:1. Activities around the state2. Billboard to help ex-prisoners3. Coalition for Fair Criminal Justice Policies4. ICARE column on parole denials5. Lifers and Longtermers Clearinghouse6. NYS Prisoner Justice Conference7. Parole News8. Prison Media9. PRP2! calls press

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-26906044124116312232009-12-01T03:34:00.003-05:002009-12-01T03:46:09.599-05:00

Brief update on Graziano v. Pataki, from the Prison Action Network:"Graziano update: The case is still alive. Parties are waiting to learn the outcome of a case before the second circuit that could impact the Graziano case."

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-24199456897163632542009-12-01T03:28:00.006-05:002009-12-01T03:44:01.647-05:00

The December edition of Building Bridges is now available from the Prison Action Network.Items covered in this issue include:1. Activities around NYS2. Calls from home3. Coalition for Fair Criminal Justice Policies4. Correctional Association's executive director is leaving5. ICARE column6. Lifers and Longtermers Clearinghouse7. Lynne Stewart goes to prison8. Parole news9. Prison media10.

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-29286708873082613542009-11-10T11:03:00.004-05:002009-11-13T05:07:36.581-05:00

An appellate court panel has upheld an Albany County Supreme Court ruling that the state’s Board of Parole was within its rights to reconsider the parole of Shu'aib A. Raheem after hearing new testimony from the victim’s family members.It would appear that despite every effort an inmate has made while incarcerated, the victim's impact statement has become the single overriding factor which can

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-3588215089055930632009-11-07T13:37:00.006-05:002010-03-12T02:59:57.739-05:00

The sentencing of former Assemblyman and NY Parole Commissioner George “Chris” Ortloff has been delayed yet again, this time for a further four months.His sentencing was originally adjourned from April 23rd until August 11th, then was delayed and was due to take place on November 9th 2009 at 2 p.m.Now according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Spina, Ortloff's sentencing has once again been

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-66291836364425438392009-11-01T14:01:00.002-05:002009-11-08T14:08:02.280-05:00

The November edition of Building Bridges is now available from the Prison Action Network.Items covered in this issue include:1. Activities around NYS2. CFFCJP reports3. Gardening at prison4. ICARE column5. Job opportunities6. Lady Penumbra and Ty Conscious7. Legislation8. Lifers and Longtermers Clearinghouse9. Obituary10. Parole news11. Post-conviction sealing hotline seeks input12. Prison

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-37842330897749110242009-10-01T02:48:00.005-04:002009-10-01T02:57:58.081-04:00

The October 2009 issue of Building Bridges has been released by the Prison Action Network.Items discussed in this issue include:1. Actions you can take2. Alternatives to incarceration3. Buffalo citizens prevail4. Family Empowerment Day 55. Coalition for Fair Criminal Justice Policies6. ICARE introduces new team member7. Larry 'Luqman' White wins Citizen's Award8. Legislation9. Lifers and

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-16601257519164675432009-09-29T13:36:00.039-04:002009-11-18T05:50:57.561-05:00

The NYS Parole Board has responded to pressure by agreeing to reconsider their decisions in two cases where parole had initially been granted, as they did in the case of Shu'aib Raheem almost two years ago.Again and again members of the Parole Board are being overruled when they have made a decision that proves to be politically unpopular, particularly in cases where a victim of crime or victim's

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-24750623224720745692009-09-01T02:48:00.004-04:002009-10-01T02:59:34.152-04:00

The September edition of Building Bridges is now available from the Prison Action Network.Items covered in this issue include:1. Actions you can take2. Center for Community Alternatives - two stories3. Coalition For Fair Criminal Justice Policies4. Fiscal crisis in corrections5. ICARE Reports6. Legislation7. Lifers and Longtermers Clearinghouse8. Parole news9. Prison media10. Transportation to

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-19065501643228672612009-08-11T12:16:00.012-04:002010-03-12T02:59:57.741-05:00

The sentencing of former Assemblyman and NY Parole Commissioner George “Chris” Ortloff has been delayed yet again.Ortloff, 61, a former Republican Assemblyman from Plattsburgh, is awaiting sentencing on his guilty plea to a felony count of enticement of minors, after he was caught last fall in a sting operation trying to set up sexual liaisons with two pre-teen sisters.Ortloff surrendered himself

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-91833084458708673072009-08-01T04:37:00.003-04:002009-08-01T04:44:51.374-04:00

The August edition of Building Bridges is now available from the Prison Action Network.Subjects covered in this issue include:1. Actions you can take2. Birth in shackles3. ICARE is on vacation4. Legislation updates and bills to watch5. Parole News6. Prison Media7. Prisoners of the census8. Public Defense9. Transportation10. Voting rights11. Writing ContestThere are no further updates on the

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-54386875855222247302009-07-22T06:41:00.003-04:002009-08-19T07:07:48.828-04:00

More prisoners today are serving life terms than ever before — 140,610 out of 2.3 million inmates being held in jails and prisons across the country — under tough mandatory minimum-sentencing laws and the declining use of parole for eligible convicts, according to No Exit: The Expanding Use of Life Sentences in America, a report by The Sentencing Project, a group that calls for the elimination of

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-77521137987884121512009-07-02T08:22:00.006-04:002010-07-16T03:30:19.190-04:00

Leaders of New York’s drug treatment and criminal justice systems today announced a collaboration on behind the walls addiction services that will serve as a blueprint for the future under Rockefeller Drug Reform.The New York State Department of Correctional Services’ (DOCS) Willard Drug Treatment Campus in Seneca County is launching a new phase of the corrections-based drug treatment readiness

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-48466920540157000132009-07-01T02:11:00.002-04:002009-10-01T03:00:37.520-04:00

The July 2009 issue of Building Bridges has been released by the Prison Action Network.Subjects covered in this issue include:1. Abuse of incarcerated youth2. Actions you can take3. ICARE Reports4. Legislation5. Lifers and Longtermers Clearinghouse6. Parole news7. Prison closures - what replaces them?8. Prison media9. Prisoners of the census10. Transportation to prison11. Citizens Against

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-76536117172267952942009-07-01T02:09:00.000-04:002009-07-01T04:17:01.398-04:00

Brief update on Graziano v. Pataki, from the Prison Action Network:"GRAZIANO VS PATAKI: The lawyers for Graziano submitted written questions to Pataki; his responses are not due for another three weeks or so."

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-11219165833797763562009-06-08T12:51:00.006-04:002010-07-16T03:30:36.706-04:00

Andrea W. Evans confirmed by Senate to serve as Chairwoman of the Board of Parole and CEO of the Division of ParoleThe New York State Senate today confirmed Andrea W. Evans as Chairwoman of the State Board of Parole. Ms. Evans was nominated by Governor David A. Paterson on May 22, 2009.As Chairwoman, Ms. Evans will also serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Division.Ms. Evans was most recently

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-23241596673491266692009-06-01T02:12:00.015-04:002009-10-01T03:02:49.833-04:00

The June 2009 issue of Building Bridges has been released by the Prison Action Network.Items discussed in this issue include:1. A list of ways you can help create positive change2. Citizens Against Recidivism reports on "Considering the Evidence on Long Term Sentences"3. Coalition for Fair Criminal Justice Policies Update4. ICARE Reports5. Legislation Report6. Lifers and Longtermers Clearinghouse

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-82892665218858078982009-05-27T06:15:00.006-04:002010-07-16T03:30:55.593-04:00

"In a move that went largely overlooked (and was likely intended to be, given the fact that it was made at 5:30 p.m. on the Friday before a three-day holiday weekend), Gov. David Paterson announced his latest nominee to chair the state Parole Board: Andrea Evans.If she is confirmed by the state Senate for the $120,800-a-year job, Evans will be the fourth person tapped for the post since December

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-57588073313916927482009-05-22T17:19:00.006-04:002010-07-16T03:31:14.062-04:00

Governor Paterson announces nomination to the State Board of ParoleFor immediate release: May 22, 2009Governor David A. Paterson today announced the nomination of Andrea D. Evans as Chair of the State Board of Parole. As Chair, Ms. Evans will also serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Division.Ms. Evans is the current Director of the Division of Parole for Region II, an area encompassing

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-24536489533759988122009-05-01T03:41:00.004-04:002009-05-01T03:48:43.356-04:00

The May 2009 edition of Building Bridges has just been issued by the Prison Action Network. Visit their blog to read all the latest news and updates. Subjects covered this month include:1. A list of things you can do to help your incarcerated loved ones2. Coalition for Fair Criminal Justice Policies3. ICARE reports4. Legislation5. Lifers and Longtermers Clearinghouse6. Parole news7. Prison Media8

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-55168122866488452722009-05-01T03:28:00.006-04:002009-05-01T03:38:52.094-04:00

Update on Graziano v. Pataki, from the Prison Action Network:"GRAZIANO VS PATAKI: The Judge has denied the Plaintiffs’ (Graziano et.al) motion to compel the deposition of the Defendant, former NYS governor George E. Pataki, citing immunity for high ranking officials, which protects them from “unnecessary probing of the officials’ thought processes”, and such depositions would “likely discourage

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-22099586281682756222009-04-22T14:11:00.021-04:002010-03-12T02:59:57.742-05:00

Former NYS Parole Board Commissioner Chris Ortloff's sentencing has been delayed and is now scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on August 11th at the federal courthouse in Albany. In the meantime, the former assemblyman's bail will be revoked and he will begin serving time pending his sentencing. Ortloff has been free on conditions and a $100,000 bond since late December last year, when he pleaded guilty to

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-86203948506672822232009-04-01T13:00:00.000-04:002009-04-11T05:30:10.321-04:00

Update on Graziano v. Pataki, from the Prison Action Network:"GRAZIANO VS PATAKI: The parties are still waiting for a decision on the motion to compel the Pataki deposition."

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-88694946805591382822009-04-01T12:57:00.013-04:002011-10-07T17:04:36.211-04:00

The April 2009 edition of Building Bridges has just been issued by the Prison Action Network. Visit their blog to read all the latest news and updates. Subjects covered this month include:Activities to educate, motivate, and mobilizeBudget speech by Commissioner Brian FischerCoalition for Fair Criminal Justice Policies - NYCICARE ReportsLegislationLifers and Longtermers ClearinghouseParole

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-60866446288956903372009-03-27T12:54:00.008-04:002009-04-19T14:27:24.052-04:00

GOVERNOR PATERSON AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERS ANNOUNCE THREE-WAY AGREEMENT TO REFORM NEW YORK STATE’S ROCKEFELLER DRUG LAWSGovernor David A. Paterson Press Releases. For immediate release: March 27, 2009Sweeping Reform Ends Harsh Sentences for Non-violent Addicts Focuses on Treatment Rather than Punishment to End the Cycle of AddictionGovernor David A. Paterson, Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A.

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2541665923249032227.post-66865685350844066602009-03-21T03:37:00.016-04:002009-03-22T03:09:35.843-04:00

You are invited to take part in a survey organized by the Prison Action Network (see their newsletter for March 2009).The following is from the Prison Action Network:"MERIT TIME BILL SURVEY: We are conducting a survey, the results of which we will take to the sponsors of the Merit Time Bills currently in the NY State Senate Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections. We need your opinion.

Parole Newshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666283633634893455noreply@blogger.com