Gov. Rendell to Legislature: End Paroles for Repeat Violent Offenders to Keep Communities Safe

Press Release

Gov. Rendell to Legislature: End Paroles for Repeat Violent Offenders to Keep Communities Safe

Calls for Quick Passage of Legislation; Says State Now Taking Steps to
Better Identify, Supervise Repeat Violent Offenders

As his first act of 2009, Governor Edward G. Rendell today asked the General Assembly to protect Pennsylvania's communities by strengthening the state's criminal sentencing statutes so repeat violent offenders are not paroled.

The Governor's call came as he also announced new measures that will expand the state's efforts to identify and supervise these offenders so that they are less likely to victimize anyone else.

"In 2008, four Pennsylvanians were brutally murdered by five men who had served state time for violent crimes and were out on parole," said Governor Rendell. "These murders cry out for changes in how we sentence and supervise repeat violent offenders, so today, I am asking the General Assembly to end parole for repeat violent offenders. These murders were clear indications that repeat violent offenders must serve more time in prison and that repeated violent acts must be met with even tougher consequences.

Under the Governor's proposal, Pennsylvania would change the sentencing structure for repeat violent offenders who use a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime by instituting certainty in sentencing as a way to keep them in prison longer and end the possibility that they will be paroled.

"Currently, all offenders get an indeterminate sentence—a minimum and maximum sentence, with the offender being eligible for parole at the expiration of his or her minimum sentence," said the Governor. "That works well for most non-violent and less violent offenders, but it doesn't seem to be working for some of the worst repeat violent offenders. Some have learned to game the system and convince officials that they have learned their lessons.

"I propose that we put an end to this. I am asking on the legislature to establish flat, determinate sentences for repeat violent offenders. No more minimum sentence after which these thugs could be paroled," said Governor Rendell, adding that nearly 25 other states and the federal government have either eliminated or limited parole for certain classes of offenders.

The repeat violent offender designation would apply to anyone who was convicted as an adult or juvenile of committing one or more violent crimes with a deadly weapon, or has at least been convicted of at least one violent crime and is convicted of a weapons offense.

The definition is consistent with that provided by Professor John Goldkamp of Temple University, whom Governor Rendell hired last year to conduct a thorough, top-to-bottom review of the state's corrections and parole systems.

To ensure these offenders are provided with guidance, help and oversight after fulfilling their sentence and being released, Governor Rendell also proposed a 5-year supervision period by the parole board. Violations of post-release supervision could result in re-incarceration.

Governor Rendell added that he would ask state Supreme Court Chief Justice Castille to require that a detailed pre-sentence report on each repeat, violent offender be completed and made available to the judge, prosecutor and defense counsel prior to sentencing.

"Pre-sentence reports, which provide critical information to judges about the background and prior acts and psychology of offenders, are only completed in about 15 percent of all criminal cases," said the Governor. "This needs to change. Our judges must know everything about repeat violent offenders in order to hand down the most appropriate sentence. Sentences should not be handed down in a vacuum, and we risk that problem without a good, comprehensive pre-sentence report.

"These measures are sound policy and good public safety legislation and I look forward to working with the legislature to pass them quickly," added the Governor. "In the interim, though, we are taking steps to better identify those offenders with a history of violence who are in our system now, either in a state correctional facility or out on parole."

Beginning immediately, the Probation and Parole Board will identify each and every state parolee who has been out on parole for less than 5 years and falls within the repeat violent offender category; determine whether their supervision is adequate given their criminal history and record of violence; and impose more intensive, comprehensive supervision for those repeat violent offenders that need it.

"I will have many priorities for 2009, but none will be as important to the safety of our citizens as guaranteeing that repeat violent offenders spend more time behind bars," said the Governor Rendell. "How we identify and treat offenders with a history of violence and supervise parolees is critical to stopping violent offenders from committing new crimes. This proposal means better evaluation, longer sentences, and mandatory post-release supervision for our worst criminals, which together, will make our streets safer."

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