1. Business Model
Refined Mission
Developed Performance Measures (process and outcome)
Incorporated Evidence Based Practices
Conducted Research

2. RESULTS

3. How do you translate your mission into a measurable outcome?

4. Budget Reduction Items Which Will Impact Agency Mission
The next 4 items I will discuss will have a direct and definitive impact on our mission and public safety.
My colleagues and I also ranked these in order of priority.
SA counseling
Drug testing
GPS EM
RSAT 4

5. Out-Patient Substance Abuse Counseling Program
Of extreme importance to the Board and to the State is our substance abuse counseling program which consists of 50 contract counselors providing services to over 1,800 parolees today in 87 cities throughout Georgia.
We contract with Spectrum Health Systems for these services at a total cost of $ 1.3 million per year.
This is an “investment not an expenditure.”
This program serves as the foundation of the Board’s evidence based practice in substance abuse treatment. (Business Practices)
The indigent parolee population has been served with this consistent and reliable program.
Over 9,000 of the 12,000 parolees referred last year were enrolled in this cognitive based community treatment option.
A total of 7,671 group counseling sessions were delivered last year by our contract counseling staff. Each of these group sessions comprised from 4-14 parolee participants. (12-week classes) [8,359 successfully completed]
Significant gains in parole success and reductions in drug use have been demonstrated since the program began in FY06. 5

6. Parole Supervision FY 05 Actual FY 06 Actual FY 07 Actual
FY 05 Actual
FY 06 Actual
FY 07 Actual
FY 2008 Actual
Number referred to drug treatment
9,862
10,277
11,919 ( 16% increase)
12,140
Number enrolled in drug treatment
6,656
7,866
9,181 (17% increase)
9,321
Number completing drug treatment
49% or 2,933 of 5,977
46% or 2,856 of 6,193
45% or 3,597 of 8,028
49% or 4,117 of 8,359
Number of parolee drug tests (episodes)
81,972
85,227
93,262
100,548
Percent of positive random drug test episodes
2,066 of 14,081 or 15%
15% or 2,205 of 14,590
12% or 1,759 of 14,232
10% or 1,409 of 14,770
Our NIJ research reveals that by merely enrolling a parolee in a substance abuse treatment program, the probability of arrest is reduced by 7%.
Every attendance at this program reduces the probability of arrest by 1% per attendance. They meet 1 time per week, which equates to 4% per month reduction.
Conversely, there is a 5% increase in risk of arrest each time a parolee does not attend a treatment program.
Expect a reversal of the positive results that have been achieved due to increased drug use and criminal activity.
Because of the importance of drug treatment and the negative impact on public safety, our results and prison bed-space, we are working with your staff to keep this funding. 6

7. Parolee Drug Testing 75-80% of parolees have a history of drug abuse.
Over 100,000 tests were performed by parole officers in FY08.
An increase in drug testing, when combined with effective substance abuse treatment has yielded positive results by reducing drug abuse by Georgia parolees.
Recall, the slide I just showed where our random positive drug test results were just 10% last year. (1,409 positive out of 14,770 tested)
Our recently released NIJ research revealed that
For every increase in the ratio of positive to total tests, there is a 33% increase in the likelihood of arrest for a misdemeanor or felony
When the ratio of positives to total tests declines, there is an equivalent reduction in the likelihood of arrest
Positive drug screens are also correlated with significant increase in the risk of arrest for other technical violations – 2x
Positive drug tests are the most significant factor associated with arrest and failure on parole.
Frequent drug testing has a deterrent effect on parolee drug use.
Most parole violations involve drug use. As a result of effective use of our drug testing and drug counseling program we have seen significant reductions over the past 3 years in Delinquent Reports submitted by Parole Officers which report violations, parole warrants issued for violations and Final Revocation Hearings conducted.
Delinquent Reports Completed: Warrants Issued: Final Hearings:
FY08 20,521 FY ,586 FY
FY07 22,970 FY ,025 FY
FY06 24,243 FY ,224 FY 7

8. Global Positioning Satellite Electronic Monitoring
Reductions in FY09 would cut GPS EM units in use from the current 240 to
We have 2 different types of EM. We have traditional EM, which is an ankle monitor that advises if a parolee is home or not. It is offender funded and costs $2.95 per day. This type of EM is used on the lower risk offenders.
We also use GPS EM on all sex offenders for the duration of their parole supervision and on some violent offenders. This type of EM can track where a parolee has been when away from their home in addition to advising whether they are at home. This is a state funded program. We just re-negotiated the contract and the cost per day is $4.25.
If the state funded GPS program is cut sex offenders and violent offenders would be placed on regular EM (offender funded) units without the ability to trace their location or threat of presence in high risk areas.
GPS ensures that sex offenders and violent offenders are properly monitored and tracked.
The state funded this program because indigent parolees earning minimum wage or with limited skills are least able to afford this cost and still support themselves financially.
Lack of funding for this program will put more of these offenders at higher risk through placement in the less intensive, regular EM program.
Our NIJ research revealed that EM violations predict an increased risk of a positive drug test and EM violations in the first 2 quarters under supervision predict an increased risk of misdemeanor arrests (15%) and other technical violations (26%).
EM violations indicate an increased risk of a positive drug test 8

9. FY 06 Actual
FY 07 Actual
FY 08 Actual
FY 2009
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
Percent of parolees acceptably completing parole supervision, based on methodology used in the BJS report.
60% or 6,686 of 11,098
61% or 6,833 of 11,182
64% or 7,024 of 10,917
63% or 1,743 of 2,764
65% or 1,785 of 2,747

10. Georgia Parole Success Rate vs. National Average
During the three most recent legislative sessions, we have been fortunate to be the recipients of appropriations for substance abuse treatment, drug testing of parolees, electronic monitoring, other categories? All of these essential services along with dedicated and efficient work of our Central Office staff and Field Parole officers have enhanced our ability to achieve a high degree of success as illustrated by our leading indicators and parole completion (success) rate.
While the NATIONAL average of parole success, at only 44%, has declined for the past 3 years, the success rate of the GEORGIA Parole Board has increased by 4 percent during the same time period. These successes translate into dollar cost savings for the state as fewer parolees are returned to prison as failures. (slide illustrating success vs. national avg.)
Having illustrated our successes at our current level of funding, we recognize that economic conditions necessitate greater frugality in spending and we are (reluctantly?) prepared to offer budget cuts in programs and personnel which have contributed to this high level of success. These proposals will undoubtedly impair our potential for continued improvement, but they have been carefully deliberated and reflect the limitations of our relatively small budget and our ability to continue to fund a basic level of Parole Board operations. 10

11. Cost Savings to the State11

12. Estimated Cost Savings $350,000,000
The effect of this $54 million appropriation is a TREMENDOUS RETURN on the investment in our agency which SAVES THE STATE an estimated $350 million dollars per year in avoidance of the cost of incarcerating the 21,600 parolees, who might otherwise be occupying extremely expensive prison bed space
Whether on Wall Street or Main Street, one would be hard pressed to find an equivalent to the 6 to 1 return on investment that we provide in these times of fiscal austerity and economic challenge, but we are proud of the VALUE and ECONOMY that we bring to state government and I'm here to tell you that this is one agency where the dollars are WELL SPENT AND CAREFULLY MANAGED FOR MAXIMUM RETURN.
Adjusted Base Budget
$54,325,898 12

13. Improving Parole Completion Rates = Costs Avoided
Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles
Improving Parole Completion Rates = Costs Avoided

14. Foundation of System Effectiveness Comprehensive Framework for Paroling Center Authorities (National Institute of Corrections)