ATLANTA - Google has recognized the State Board of Pardons and Paroles as a "Government Transformer" for its implementation of the virtual office. Google presents this honor to forward-thinking public servants and entities that work to transform government services through innovation with cutting-edge technology.

​Phil Sellers, the Parole Board’s Chief Information Officer, was recently featured on the Google "Government Transformers" site as he outlined the virtual office concept. Sellers explained that the Board closed parole offices and placed officers full-time in their state vehicles, or “virtual offices,” in the interest of public safety.

“We decided to do away with the brick-and-mortar offices and create virtual offices using mobile devices and Google Apps, Maps and Chrome. We invested the money we saved on real estate directly into new mobile devices, additional vehicles, and other equipment to help officers keep the community safe,” said Sellers.

Sellers says parole officers were spending too much time completing paper work and meeting with parolees in the office setting. He added that the parole officer’s place is in the community.

The virtual office began as a pilot in one parole district in 2012. Today, all Georgia parole officers are able to work in the virtual environment. Parole officers complete all tasks from their vehicle and have increased contacts with parolees in the community at their homes, workplaces, and at treatment programs.

Executive Director of Parole Michael Nail says the Board will continue to work to improve public safety through the use of technology.

"This is yet another example where the State Board of Pardons and Paroles on behalf of Georgia has risen to the occasion and chose to lead instead of follow. You will find this attitude and discipline throughout the entire agency. We choose to take a leadership role in this arena because we recognize the immense impact current and future technology can have on transforming our business practices and our ability to serve the citizens of Georgia,” stated Nail.

Parole officers now can conduct meetings on-the-go through Google Hangouts and are able to focus on their core job of field supervision instead of sitting behind a desk. The reports they complete in Google Docs are easily accessed by other officers and supervisors, and the crime data can be shared with other public safety agencies.

Sellers says leveraging technology to actively supervise offenders directly in the community where they live just makes sense.

“This allows us to provide better service to the public and to keep parole officers out in the field where things are happening,” said Sellers.

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

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