ATLANTA - David J. Herring was sworn-in today as a member of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. 

“I am humbled to serve the citizens of Georgia in this capacity,” stated Herring. “The criminal justice work this Board performs is necessary and critical to the safety and security of our communities. I am honored by the confidence placed in me to use my law enforcement and life experiences to make these critical public safety parole decisions,” added Herring.

Prior to the appointment, Mr. Herring served as a Lt. Colonel with the Department of Public Safety managing security details for the offices of Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House and Chief Justice. He joined the Georgia Department of Public Safety in 1994 as a state trooper. In addition to 24 years of public safety service, he served as team security for the University of Georgia Football Program and as a member of the State of Georgia S.W.A.T. Team. He received the “Governor’s Public Safety Award for Heroism” in 2001 and was recognized by the Gainesville Kiwanis Club as “Trooper of the Year in 2004.”

Parole Board Chairman Terry Barnard administered the oath of office at the August monthly board meeting.

 “David’s appointment comes at an excellent time for the Board and the state of Georgia. Governor Deal has transformed our criminal justice system and his appointments to our Board have followed that philosophy. This is another win for our citizens and for public safety,” Barnard stated.

Mr. Herring graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. His appointment to the Board was effective August 1, 2018.

The Parole Board has five voting members who are full time employees. The Georgia Constitution provides that Parole Board Members are to be appointed by the Governor to serve seven-year staggered terms, subject to confirmation by the State Senate. The Parole Board is authorized to grant paroles, pardons, commutations and reprieves and is the only entity in the state with the constitutional authority to commute a death sentence. 

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

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