The Florida Parole Commission's primary responsibilities involve setting the terms and conditions of post-prison supervision programs, revoking the supervision of offenders when they violate their supervision conditions, and assisting the Clemency Board.
The 2001 Legislature cut commission staffing to reduce supervisor-to-staff ratios. To further improve ratios, we recommend that the commission equalize supervision across the state and develop a plan to eliminate its satellite offices, which would save $97,000 a year. The Legislature can also attain further cost savings by transferring the commission's purchasing, accounting, and information system functions to the Department of Corrections, saving $80,000.
The clemency process is experiencing a large backlog due to recent policy changes in the restoration of the civil rights process and other factors. To reduce workload, we recommend that the clemency board reduce investigative requirements and that the Department of Corrections screen out ex-felons ineligible for restoration of civil rights. We also recommend that the Legislature consider outsourcing investigative activities to address the clemency backlog as an alternative to authorizing new positions.
The revocation process is timely, and we recommend that the commission collect data to monitor revocation performance and outcomes.

Parole Commission Operations Consistent with Its Mission; Clemency Workload Needs to Be Addressed
Report 06-15 February 2006

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.