(From Gov. Mike Kehoe)Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced the release of recommended rule updates for Missouri's parole process, following a comprehensive review of existing rules by a working group of stakeholders.
Under the direction of Governor Kehoe's Executive Order 25-07, signed during the Safer Missouri launch on day one of his administration, the Missouri Department of Corrections and the Missouri Parole Board assembled a working group to develop proposed rule changes. The working group consisted of representatives of law enforcement, corrections, the judiciary, and the public.
“Parole plays a crucial role in the Missouri criminal justice system, balancing offender rehabilitation with public safety,” said Governor Kehoe. “We will now review these recommendations to see how Missouri can continue to refine its approach to offender management and increase accountability, with the goal of safeguarding public safety while also promoting successful reintegration and reducing recidivism.”
The executive order directed the working group to provide the Missouri Parole Board with recommendations for amendments to the existing rules and any proposed new rulemakings with the goal of providing clarity, transparency, and accountability for the parole process.
The review found that several updates were needed to comply with state statute, including updating minimum parole eligibility requirements to reflect the current “blue book.”
The working group's review also includes recommendations to:
Remove unnecessary and outdated regulations.
Update the hearing process to allow for up to two delegates, who may provide additional information on rehabilitation efforts or barriers to release.
Clarify that, under the updated rule, alleged violators have the right to attorney representation and to mitigation witnesses chosen by the individual.
Introduce a new grid procedure, allowing release without a parole hearing for certain non-violent Class C, D, and E offenses, as well as drug offenses with sentences of up to 20 years. Decisions will be based on validated risk and needs assessments, while cases involving weapons, resisting arrest, parole violations, and similar offenses will continue to require a hearing.
“It is critical to establish uniform policy in parole decision-making, while also allowing for individual case considerations," said Director Trevor Foley, Missouri Department of Corrections. “Our department looks forward to working with the Governor's Office in updating parole rules and bringing greater transparency to parole hearing and revocation processes."
For more information on the parole board licensing and regulation findings, click.
3 comments:
Maybe an idea to consider adding to the working group, would be prior people who have been paroled and have successfully completed their parole. They would offer a different view point of the rules that helped them be successful in completing their parole, that may help others to also have success in their paroles. They would also be able to articulate which rules that may have caused barriers or created difficulties while being on parole. Multiple view points while working towards a solution that benefits everyone in our society is always a huge step forward.
You either want to stop being a criminal or you want to be a better one….
Missouri Probation and Parole is a joke. There are zero consequences when the offenders don't follow their terms of release or probation. It is a complete smoke and mirrors show. The public is not any safer with these offenders on the streets. It is a hug a thug mentality and officers are required to call them clients. They are offenders and parolees. Plain and simple. Make them tow the line or send them back!
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