Guide to Post Release and Parole Commission

The N.C. Post Release Supervision and Parole Commission is comprised of three commissioners who are appointed by the Governor. While commissioners serve at the pleasure of the Governor, the Governor cannot override the decision made by the commission. The commission is an independent agency charged with determining: whether or not to release an offender sentenced under Pre-Fair and Fair Sentencing, the conditions of release for an offender sentenced under Pre-Fair and Fair Sentencing, the conditions of release for an offenders sentenced under Structured Sentencing and who is eligible for post-release supervision after serving an active prison sentence.

Basic Information For Victims

Commissioners are responsible for conducting individual review of the inmate's record, and making decisions based on file information, victim's/survivor's input, and the Case Analyst's (Parole Commission staff assigned to the inmate's case) recommendations. For Fair Sentencing cases, the commissioners do not meet as a group to vote, and they do not meet with inmates during the review process. These cases are reviewed each year after the eligibility date has been reached.

With respect to offenders sentenced under Structured Sentencing and who are eligible for post-release supervision after serving an active prison sentence, the Commission maintains the authority to set the conditions for the period in which the offender is placed on post-release supervision. Unlike Fair Sentencing cases, the commission does not determine the date of release for offenders sentenced under Structured Sentencing.

Victim Input Procedures

The N.C. Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission considers input from victims/survivors to be very important. The Victim Unit for Prisons, Probation and Parole collaborates with the commission in providing services to victims of crime whose offender is eligible for parole or post-release supervision. Victims/survivors can communicate with the commission in the following ways:

* Victims may express their opinions about a case in writing at any time. They may also request that certain conditions be imposed on the offender upon release. The letters are included in the inmate's file and the commissioners take the letters into consideration during the decision-making process. Letters are kept confidential and the offender doesn't have access to these letters.

* Victims whose offenders are being considered for parole have the opportunity to appear before the commission to present information they feel is important for the Parole Commission to hear. The meetings are held once a week, are 30 minutes each, and are limited to five persons per scheduled appointment. There are a limited number of appointments available and they are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis. To request a meeting, please call at least 4 months before and no earlier than a year before the release date at (919) 716-3010.

For additional information contact:

Unit Mailing Address
4223 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, N.C. 27699-4223

Street Address
512 N. Salisbury Street
Raleigh, N.C. 27604

Toll-Free Victim Services: 1-866-719-0108, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fax: (919) 715-1256