Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan Calls for Open Parole Process

The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan (PAAM) resolved to support the efforts of local prosecutors who request the names and prison files from the Michigan Department of Corrections of the prisoners the Department will be considering for parole over the next six to nine months.

"As Michigan pushes its annual parole rate from 12,000 to 17,000 inmates, it is important that communities, through their county prosecutor, have input into the decisions of who is being considered for parole," said Brian Peppler, president of PAAM.

The Association called for the MDOC to provide prosecutors the following information:

• The name and MDOC number of every prisoner tentatively or definitely scheduled for a parole interview through the end of the year;
• The name and MDOC number of every prisoner due to be released on parole before the end of the year;
• The name and MDOC number of every prisoner scheduled to enter the MPRI program;

Lists of inmates currently in MPRI; Criteria for parole consideration
These lists should be provided to prosecutors on a monthly basis. PAAM also requests that the FOIA costs be waived for obtaining this information and needed central files.  Information provided already has shown that, from mid-June to mid-July 2009, 1744 prisoners were considered for parole or other similar action. Of those 1744, 28% were convicted of criminal sexual conduct and other sex-based crimes.

"Public safety is the first obligation of state government," Peppler said. "Given that any parole decision may result in repeat criminal activity and victimization, it is important that prosecutors be able to appear and participate in the parole process."

"We recognize the state has to make tough budget decisions. Michigan’s prosecuting attorneys believe that the parole process should be transparent so the public is aware of the impact in their local neighborhoods," Peppler said.

     For more information, contact: KC Steckelberg at 517-334-6060, ext. 810 (Source: PAAM press release, August 6, 2009)