Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr released the following statement concerning Governor Patrick’s announcement today of his planned “action steps” to reform the state’s Parole Board:“The Governor has taken important steps to arrest the threat to public safety presented by the current parole board and its methods of operation. Now the clock begins ticking on the process of implementing lasting and substantial reforms that will dismantle the processes that have so clearly failed us and to rebuild a parole and sentencing system where a life sentence means a life sentence and professionals in law enforcement have the necessary standing in parole decisions to keep us all safe.
We look forward to receiving and reviewing the report ordered by the Governor as soon as possible. Based on our review of the report, and in consultation with criminal justice professionals, we’ll be coming forward with a comprehensive series of legislative steps to promote fairness, predictability, truth in sentencing and public safety.”
