Trion, GA - The Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles today held their October monthly board meeting at Hays State Prison. Hays, operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections, is participating in an innovative TIER Segregation program that allows offenders to participate in evidence-based programming, while demonstrating responsible and positive behavior both in and out of the prison cell, earning an opportunity to return to general population.

The decision to meet at Hays SP was made in July when the Board fully implemented virtual revocation hearings. During virtual hearings, all communications are conducted through Google video chat technology and Board Members do not always meet in person at prisons with parolees, inmates and other involved parties. By holding the October meeting at Hays, the Board had the opportunity to get back into the prison setting, to foster relationships with staff and inmates alike, and to learn more about inmate programs offered at Hays State Prison.

“We appreciate the assistance of Commissioner Owens and the staff at Hays State Prison for hosting us. We are eager to learn more about the tier program and seeing it firsthand will help us better understand how it is utilized,” stated Parole Board Chairman Terry Barnard. “Such information is vital to board members when considering whether or not to grant parole to an inmate,” he added.

Michael Nail, Executive Director of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, says the opportunity for Board Members and staff to maintain relationships with prison staff and interact with inmates is crucial. “We plan to have more board meetings at various prisons around the state, which will allow us to maintain the good working relationships we have with Corrections’ staff. And, an added bonus is increased accessibility to board meetings for people who live outside the metro Atlanta area.”

For more information on the Parole Board, please visit the website at www.pap.ga.gov.

For more information on the Department of Corrections, please visit the website at https://gdc.ga.gov/.