Correctional Officers Union Blasts ‘Unaccountable’ Parole Board
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
The Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers (RIBCO) kicked off a public safety campaign today titled “End The Violence, Rhode Island” to shed light on the state’s lenient and unaccountable Parole Board and also the state’s so-called “Good Time” law, both of which have let violent criminals back on the streets far in advance of their release dates if they behave in prison.
David Mellon, President of RIBCO, stated, “In the last few years, we have seen some of the most violent criminals released early because of a careless Parole Board and a lenient Good Time law. The latest example of this carelessness is Alfred Brissette, also known as ‘The Thrill Killer,’ who the Parole Board recently granted early release. Here is a guy who kidnapped a random woman, beat her over the head with a lug wrench, tried to sever her spine with a shovel, and then dug a hole to bury her in. And he did it for fun. This guy was going to be released by the Parole Board after serving only thirteen years because they were ‘impressed with inmate’s program participation and his documented plan for change.’ Now–only because of a public outcry–they decided to revisit this issue and hold a new hearing.”
Mellon continued, “These policies are allowing for vicious criminals to be released into our neighborhoods. Just because they behave in prison does not make them fit to be released. The intent of this campaign is to notify the public of how their safety is being put at risk–and highlight some especially egregious examples like Freddie Bishop, Andrew Jett, Matthew Komrowski and Jason Pleau, all of whom were released early–and all of whom murdered people not long after they were released. We want the powers that be to know that we are going to hold them accountable in the public eye.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe campaign kicks off today with online ads, a petition, television ads, radio ads, a direct mail program into targeted areas and a coordinated social media program. The campaign is ongoing and will continue to inform the public when dangerous criminals are indefensibly let out early because of these policies.
