Atlanta, GA – The State Board of Pardons and Paroles has scheduled a Victims Visitors’ Day for September 19, 2013, in Savannah.

In collaboration with the Eastern Judicial Circuit Victim Witness Assistance Program, the Parole Board is inviting victims of crime to meet with Parole Board Members and parole staff to discuss the cases and parole status of offenders.

Georgia Parole Board Chairman Albert Murray says it’s important for the Board Members and staff to be available to victims of crime.

“While this agency has limited resources, it is important that we hear from the victims of crime and that we are accessible to them. I am proud that we can bring the Parole Board to Savannah in order that crime victims can more easily have their voices heard,” said Murray.

Crime victims are asked to R.S.V.P. with the Department of Corrections and Parole Board’s Office of Victim Services. Victim Services Director Shalandra Robertson says appointments can be pre-scheduled by calling the toll free number at 1-800-593-9474 by September 16th. Appointments can still be made after this date.

It will be the 18th Victims Visitors’ Day conducted across the state since 2006. Robertson says more than 1,800 victims have been assisted at the events. The Parole Board’s third Victims Visitors’ Day was held in Savannah in September 2006.

By attending, victims can receive current information on an offender, including the maximum release date, parole status and where the inmate is incarcerated. Additionally, victims can register to receive updates on offenders through the Victim Information Program (V.I.P.). The Victim Information Program is a 24-hour automated information system providing victims of crime and their families with access to information about their offender. V.I.P. has more than 20,000 registered victims.

The Victims Visitors’ Day will be held at the Coastal Georgia Center located at 805 Fahm Street in Savannah. A brief ceremony at 9 a.m. will be held prior to victims’ meetings with the State Board of Pardons and Paroles.

For more information on the Parole Board or Victims Visitors’ Days, please visit our website at www.pap.georgia.gov.

           

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