Cordele - The State Board of Pardons and Paroles held its monthly meeting in Cordele today. The meeting was conducted at the Crisp County Courthouse.

“The best government is the government that is closest to the people. It’s always good to be able to travel and let the people see what the government does. We’re happy to be here this morning,” stated Parole Board Chairman James Mills.

Executive Director of Parole Chris Barnett recognized Cordele Judicial Circuit District Attorney Brad Rigby, Crisp County Probate Judge Amber Roberts Holloway, Crisp County Sheriff Billy Hancock and Clerk of Superior Court Jean Rogers.

Sheriff Hancock addressed the Board briefly.

“I truly believe in your philosophy that when you can bring the government to the people then we are a better organization and we communicate better with our citizens,” said Sheriff Hancock.

District Attorney Brad Rigby thanked the Board for coming to Crisp County to make everyone aware of what the Board does for crime victims and for being available to those who want to know more about the parole process.

Director Barnett presented the Parole Board’s Leadership Coin to each for their public service to the citizens of Georgia.

At today’s meeting, among the several agency updates received, the Board heard from Shalandra Robertson, Director of the Georgia Office of Victim Services. Robertson gave an update regarding the scheduled Victims Visitors’ Day planned for October 17, 2017, in Cordele. At the event Parole Board Members will meet one-on-one with crime victims to discuss parole cases. Robertson said currently more than 100 crime victims are scheduled to attend and meet with the Parole Board.

“Victims Visitors’ Day is a great opportunity for those victims to provide direct input to the Board Members regarding issues they’re concerned about,” stated Chairman Mills.

The Victims Visitors’ Day will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at Blackshear Place, located at 1001 Blackshear Road, Cordele, Georgia 31015. Crime victims can schedule a meeting by calling 404-651-9701. https://pap.georgia.gov/press-releases/2017-09-28/crime-victims-invited…

All five board members attended today’s Parole Board meeting including Crisp County native Jacqueline Bunn. Bunn was recognized by her colleagues on the Board for recently completing 20-years of state service.

For more information please contact Steve Hayes, Director of Communications for the Board at 404-657-9450 or [email protected] or visit our website at www.pap.georgia.gov.

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