Legislators hear about parole system

LITTLE ROCK — Lawmakers on Wednesday questioned officials about state's parole system and procedures, including the interim director of the Department of Community Correction and the vice chair of the Board of Corrections.

Interim Director Sheila Sharp and Vice Chairman Mary Parker briefed the House and Senate Judiciary Committee on changes made to the system in the wake of the killing of a Fayetteville teenager Forrest Abrams in May. An Arkansas Democrat-Gazette story last month revealed the parolee charged in the death was allowed to remain free despite multiple felony charges since his 2008 prison release.

Some legislators expressed frustration with the current system and said additional steps are necessary, including changes to Act 570, the overhaul of the state's sentencing system passed by the Legislature in 2011.

"There's a perception out there in the general public we've somewhat become soft on crime," Sen. Eddie Joe Williams, R-Cabot, said during the hearing, adding that he wants to hear what legislative changes the department thinks are necessary. "I think we've got some work to do to amend that."

Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson, R-Little Rock, said he has concerns the department and the parole board has engaged in a mission "not to protect the safety but to run the organization and make the books look good." He said he wants to see a strong mission statement and a method by which it's stressed to staff now and into the future.

Sen. David Sanders, R-Little Rock, said the parole system needs to be one with "teeth."

"It can't be a system of second, third, fourth and fifth chances," he said. "And that's what we have today."

Sharp and Parker said additional changes are possible within the parole system and a number of changes have already been made, including that a parolee can't be released if he's being held on any charge while awaiting a revocation hearing.

Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola also addressed the legislative panel, telling the lawmakers they need to consider the "career burglar or thief" and "how we keep up with people who are released."