NCJ Number
140579
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 40 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1992) Pages: 102-104
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The Parole Opposition Program established by the police department of Greeley, (Colorado) in 1990 focuses on providing direct services to crime victims, including counseling support, physical support, and ethical-moral support in making their views known prior to an offender's parole.
Abstract
This program of supporting victims through opposition to a felon's parole has improved community security by restraining felons from returning to the community to commit additional crimes that may injure the same victims or other innocent people. The police department and the community are committed to the program. The police and victim work together to gather facts regarding the felon's criminal activity; locate family members to offer support and assistance to give victims the opportunity to voice their opposition to the felon's parole; and present testimony stating that the victim, law enforcement, and the community oppose the felon's parole. Providing transportation and lodging to victims who wish to testify at parole hearings saves them money. In addition, a cost savings to the community is expected as a result of improved parole decisionmaking. At the hearings Greeley members have attended, the full board only once released the inmate to parole. Commitment from all concerned has been crucial to the program's success.