| SUMMARY OF: | A Sunset Review of the Department of Corrections, Board of Parole |
Why DLA Performed This Audit
This audit determines whether there is a need for the board’s continued existence and whether the board’s termination date should be extended. The board is set to terminate June 30, 2020, and will have one year from that date to conclude its administrative operations.
Report Conclusions
The audit concluded that the board responded in an effective and efficient manner to significant changes in parole laws. During the audit period, the board conducted its meetings, made parole decisions, set parole conditions, and held revocation hearings in accordance with state law.
The audit also concluded that administrative improvements are needed to ensure regulations are accurate and up to date, and all revocations are performed within statutory timelines. Additionally, the audit found that technological improvements may improve board operations.
In accordance with AS 44.66.010(a)(2), the board is scheduled to terminate June 30, 2020. We recommend the legislature extend the board’s termination date five years to June 30, 2025, which is three years less than the eight year maximum allowed for in statute. The reduced extension is mainly in acknowledgment of recent changes to the board’s statutes as well as anticipated changes and the need for continued oversight.
Findings and Recommendations
- The board’s executive director should improve procedures to ensure final revocation hearings are performed timely.
- The board’s executive director should work with the Department of Corrections’ commissioner to improve the quality of telephonic hearings.
- The board’s executive director should take steps to ensure regulations are properly updated.