Georgia State Board of Pardons & Paroles

Engaging stakeholders in the parole process results in enhanced public safety for Georgia communities.

In partnership with the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP), the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles has launched an enhanced fact-finding initiative that directly engages Georgia police departments across the state. At GACP district meetings, the Parole Board’s Investigations Division leadership is explaining the process where police departments receive electronic requests for offender information.

Executive Director of the Georgia Parole Board Chris Barnett says the parole decision-making process always improves by adding available information to the case files.

“The Board is committed to making informed decisions that protect Georgians,” said Barnett. “Local law enforcement agencies often have valuable insight into justice-involved individuals from their communities. Incorporating this information helps ensure the Board has the fullest picture possible when making decisions."

Responses from the police departments are submitted electronically and routed to the Board’s Regional Investigative Coordinators, who ensure the information is incorporated into the official case file. The Board's Investigations Division presented the initiative to police in May at the GACP District 4 meeting in Perry, Georgia and at the GACP District 10 Meeting in Fayetteville, Georgia.
Association of Paroling Authorities International
American Probation and Parole Association
American Correctional Association
Correctional Leaders Association
Georgia Department of Community Supervision
Southern States Correctional Association-SSCA
Southern States Correctional Association- Georgia Chapter
Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police
City of Fayetteville, Georgia - Government
Cochran Police Department
Georgia College Public Safety
Bibb County Sheriff's Office
Macon Regional Crimestoppers
Locust Grove Police Department
Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police

The Georgia Parole Board remains committed to ensuring victim information is a part of the parole decision-making process. This week Board Member Josh Waters met with crime victims in Fitzgerald, Georgia.
"We certainly want to thank the victims attending our sessions and the Cordele Judicial Circuit District Attorney's office and its victim services staff for assisting us with these meetings," Waters stated.
Victim Impact Sessions involve a Georgia Parole Board Member, staff from the Board's Pre-Release Considerations Division, and the Georgia Office of Victim Services meeting with a victim or victims from a case. As a part of the parole consideration process for the offender in a case, information from the Victim Impact Session can then be considered when making the parole decision.
Georgia Parole Board Members routinely conduct meetings with crime victims across the state.
When making parole decisions, the Board Members consider all of the information contained in the comprehensive case file maintained on the offender.
Georgia Office of Victim Services
Georgia Department of Corrections
American Probation and Parole Association
Association of Paroling Authorities International
Correctional Leaders Association
National Organization for Victim Advocacy
National Center for Victims of Crime
Georgia Department of Community Supervision
NAVAC National Association of Victim Assistance in Corrections
City of Fitzgerald, GA - Government
Ben Hill County Sheriff's Office

Continuous professional development is key to a resilient agency. Leadership staff from the Georgia Parole Board recently participated in a strategic cybersecurity tabletop exercise hosted in partnership with the Cyber Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The educational session provided valuable insights into modern digital infrastructure safety, emphasizing the critical importance of robust backup plans and organizational readiness.

Executive Director Chris Barnett noted:
"In state government, collaboration is one of our strongest tools. This partnership with the FBI provides our leadership team with the necessary insights to understand the ever-evolving digital landscape and how it may impact public safety."

Thank you to the FBI Cyber Division for sharing their expertise and helping our team be more mindful and prepared to mitigate potential cybersecurity risks in the future.

FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Association of Paroling Authorities International
American Probation and Parole Association
Correctional Leaders Association
American Correctional Association
Southern States Correctional Association-SSCA

As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day weekend, let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day and the sacrifices it represents. Together, we honor the countless men and women who gave their lives in military service to our nation. We remain forever grateful for their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to our country.

The Parole Board's office will be closed on Monday in observance of Memorial Day. Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, May 26. Have a safe and meaningful holiday.

Association of Paroling Authorities International
American Probation and Parole Association
Georgia Department of Administrative Services
Georgia Department of Veterans Service
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
U.S. Navy
U.S. Army
U.S. Marine Corps
Friends of the National World War II Memorial

On Armed Forces Day, the Georgia Parole Board honors those currently serving in each branch of the United States Military, the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force. The holiday was first observed on May 20, 1950, as President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank military members for their service. We thank all members of our Armed Forces for their dedication, sacrifice, and service to our nation!

Georgia Department of Veterans Service
U.S. Naval Air Forces
U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South
U.S. Army Reserve
National Guard
United States Space Force
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Navy

Former Georgia Parole Board Member David Herring received the Vincent O’Leary Award at the 2026 Association of Paroling Authorities International (APAI) Training Conference. Executive Director of the Georgia Parole Board, Chris Barnett presented and accepted the award on behalf of Herring who couldn’t be present.

“This recognition is extraordinary for David, who in his seven plus years on the Georgia Parole Board, he led with passion and common sense, moving our agency forward. His interest in engaging APAI was both professional and personal with a desire to help other parole authorities advance public safety,” Barnett said.

Herring served as Vice Chair and Chairman of the Georgia Parole Board during his term on the Board. He retired from state service January 1 of this year.

The Vincent O’Leary Award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to APAI and has demonstrated vision, leadership, and commitment to the field of parole. The award is named after O’Leary whose parole and criminal justice career spanned decades in Washington State, Texas, at the National Parole Institute, and New York.

Association of Paroling Authorities International
American Probation and Parole Association
Correctional Leaders Association
Georgia Department of Corrections
American Correctional Association
Georgia Department of Public Safety
University of Georgia
Southern States Correctional Association-SSCA
Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police
Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections
Vermont Department of Corrections
Oregon Department of Corrections
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction