George Cooper sent us a suggestion for clearing the Parole Commission's backlog of deferrals. We forwarded his suggestion to Chairman Tate with a brief introductory letter. George gave us permission to share the letter.
If you like George's ideas, drop him a line sometime!
George E. Cooper #148394
P.O. Box 938 (OCI)
Oregon, WI 53575
Dear Chairman Tate,
After sending notes from recent parole commission meetings to people incarcerated under the old law, I received the following suggestion from a man named George Cooper.
Previous parole chairs used to send out Pre-Parole Investigations and Parole Grants in the mail. You have a list of names of those who are actually ready now to go home today but due to back log and things done by commissioner LaCost, they are just sitting holding up space and adding to the back log.
Rather than defaulting to a 2 month defer and having to schedule another hearing, the default for someone in minimum with support (like Mr Cooper, as described by him below) could be to grant release by mail without a hearing.
People incarcerated under Truth in Sentencing regularly max out their sentences and go home- even from maximum security or long term administrative control. They do not have reviews or hearings. Surely the risk to public safety presented by sending someone like Mr Cooper home without a hearing is far less than the risk of making him take up space and resources that could otherwise be aiding TIS prisoners who will be released regardless of getting treatment, programming, space in a minimum, job opportunities, etc etc.
Please consider this suggestion, for the sake of people's freedom, justice AND public safety. George's description of his situation is below.
My name is George Cooper and I have been inside for over 32 years. I was convicted of 1st degree murder and armed robbery in 1989. I have been diagnosed with mental health and drug use disorders, and was a confessed gang member. At the time of my incarceration I was 21 years old and had been dealing with mental health and drug use disorders since 14 years old.
I have been incarcerated for over 32 years, having reached my parole eligibility date in 2003, some 17 years ago. In those years I have accomplished much. Although, I have had ups and downs throughout this incarnation, with mental health and drug use treatment I was able to make some great changes in my life and conduct.
Those programs that helped are as followed:
I enrolled in and completed Anger management.
I enrolled in and completed AODA, (SUDS).
I enrolled in and completed Thinking for Change.
I enrolled in and completed Positive Psychology.
I also have vocational training such as:
I completed vocational welding.
I completed Advanced Microcomputer Applications.
I completed Applied mathematics, and vocational math.
I completed the WI certified Peer Specialist training.
I have also volunteered as a speaker with a youth outreach program called "JCI Reality"
I have other accomplishments with work/job skills:
While working in the community I was a:
robotic welder, and a hand welder with Karavan Trailers Inc.
A material handler, forklift driver.
A ground and maintenance specialist.
There are also institution jobs that offer transferable skills:
I was an Administrative custodian; office janitor.
Library clerk.
A Tailor and textile worker.
Food service and sanitation.
Industrial laundry etc...
And I have saved a little over $11,000 for my release.
I am more than ready to come home.
I am seeking an inter-state compact to live with my Aunt Delorse Burrell, phone # (630)-896-3792, she lives in Aurora, IL. You may call her for any information you might need.
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