Syracuse-based activists are continuing a fight to have parole be – in their eyes – fairer and just for people finishing prison sentences. The Center for Community Alternatives and People’s Campaign for Parole Justice are backing two bills at the state level. Organizer Nyatwa Bullock says one seeks to have parole boards be more lenient on older inmates who have served 15 years or more and are at least 55 years old.
"They have a low, low rate of, you know, something violent. These people are going to be 55, 60,78, some of them 90 years old, and some can't even walk. They’re no threat,” said Bullock.
The other measure, called Fair and Timely Parole, would have parole boards consider programs long-term inmate has completed and other rehabilitation behavior. A further change the groups would like to see, Bullock says, is a change in the makeup of the boards that are deciding an inmate's future and possible freedom.
“We want social workers, nurses, teachers, people who work with people every single day. Right now, that board has attorney generals, police officers, district attorneys, people who are basically want to help put these people away,” said Bullock.
Bullock adds for parole reform to work, there must be more attention to the needs of the former inmate right when they're released from prison.
“We should have our counselors or hire case managers on the outside to come, help these people get their Ids, their licenses, their birth certificates, their social security cards. Once they come home, that’s a whole other barrier that is taking a month, 2 months, then they’re already set back,” said Bullock.
The advocates are holding Parole Justice Townhall in Syracuse tonight, with former inmates, family members and others. The session includes a short film by Oprah Winfrey on parole injustice and musical entertainment. The Townhall is tomorrow starting at 6:00 at the Eastside Boys and Girls Club on East Fayette Street. Information on the Center for Community Alternative’s Facebook page.
