Probation and parole agency asking for increase
COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s probation and parole agency is seeking more money to oversee offenders as part of the state’s sentencing reform efforts.
Officials with the Department of Probation, Pardon and Parole Services are presenting their budget request Wednesday for a House panel writing its 2013-14 budget.
Gov. Nikki Haley recommends that legislators fund an additional 25 parole agents to reduce agents’ caseload.
Officials say the 2010 sentencing reform law is decreasing the number of nonviolent prisoners, but the parole agents that oversee them are overwhelmed with one of the highest caseloads in the country.
The agency is requesting six additional employees for a treatment program designed to prepare inmates for their release. It is also asking for two employees to reduce the backlog of parole-eligible inmates awaiting evaluation.
Comments { }
Postandcourier.com is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Postandcourier.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not postandcourier.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Read our full Terms and Conditions.