Parole hearings are conducted in local jails, Department of Correction institutions, and other locations within the state for all eligible offenders. Courtesy parole hearings are conducted for other states upon request. Parole Hearing Officers are required to review institutional files, take testimony and information both in support and in opposition of parole. At the conclusion of the hearing, the offender is advised of the Hearing Officer's non-binding recommendation and the reason for the recommendation. A written summary of the hearing is prepared and forwarded to Board Members for review and final action.
Efforts are underway to automate the parole hearing process.
Implementation of an automated parole hearing process will provide a more efficient and economic operation at every level.