NCJ Number
42453
Date Published
1976
Length
59 pages
Annotation
THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THAT THE STATE LEGISLATURE ENACT A BILL ESTABLISHING A FULL-TIME PAROLE BOARD WHOSE MEMBERSHIP WOULD INCLUDE AT LEAST ONE MEMBER WITH EXPERTISE IN CORRECTIONS. OTHER CONCLUSIONS ARE GIVEN.
Abstract
AT THE TIME OF THE WRITING OF THIS REPORT, MEMBERS OF THE NEVADA PAROLE BOARD WERE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO SERVE FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS ON A PART-TIME BASIS. THERE WERE NO MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT, AND NO TRAINING OR ORIENTATION WAS RECEIVED AFTER APPOINTMENT. THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS THAT THE NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF PAROLE AND PROBATION PREPARE A PROCEDURES MANUAL FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE BOARD MEMBERS AND PROVIDE TRAINING COURSES FOR NEW APPOINTEEES TO ORIENT THEM TO THE PAROLE DECISIONMAKING PROCESS. FURTHER, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE BOARD OF PAROLE COMMISSIONERS ORALLY INFORM THE INMATE OF THE REASONS FOR DENIAL OF PAROLE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PAROLE HEARING. IT IS ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE INMATES BE ALLOWED TO COMMENT ON INCONSISTENCIES IN THEIR REFERRAL REPORTS AND THAT SUCH COMMENTS BE INCLUDED IN THE REPORT. THE ASSISTANCE OF LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE INMATE AT THE PAROLE GRANT HEARING SHOULD BE ALLOWED, IN THE JUDGEMENT OF THE ADVISORY COMMISSION. IT IS FELT THAT THE CASELOAD FOR THE PART-TIME BOARD HAS INCREASED TO THE POINT THAT A FULL-TIME BOARD IS ESSENTIAL FOR QUALITY DECISIONS. A MINIMUM OF ONE BOARD MEMBER WHO HAS WORKED IN CORRECTIONS IS CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL....RCB