Parole Board

Governor's Council justice

How A High-Stakes Showdown Ended In A Rare Governor’s Council ‘No’ Vote

 

Plz read & share my latest from Boston Institute for Nonprofit Journalism. HOW A HIGH-STAKES SHOWDOWN ENDED IN A RARE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL NO VOTE.
“Following the Memorial Drive shooting, the nomination tested a new council’s ability to bring more checks & balances to the Massachusetts Parole Board”   MORE

(Parole Board nominee Vincent DeMore above at the Gov. Council, April 22, 2026)

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How A High-Stakes Showdown Ended In A Rare Governor’s Council ‘No’ Vote Read Post »

justice Prison & the justice system

Opinion: The Parole Board Needs Experts On Substance Use, Psychology, And Reentry

Please see why I had to testify against Vincent DeMore for Parole Board. Here’s what my editor said:

It is unusual for a reporter to testify in a political setting. Whether before a state legislative committee or Congress, you don’t see many journalists sharing their knowledge or perspectives. 

While understandable for many reasons, in another sense it’s also strange that those who often know the most about a topic would sit on the sidelines. And in Massachusetts, few non-attorneys know more about the strained parole system than longtime BINJ prison reporter Jean Trounstine.

Demonstrating her clear passion for these issues, Jean’s coverage of the Department of Correction, Parole Board, and Governor’s Council has been the most thorough in the state for nearly a decade. Her articles quote and consider all perspectives; but since those who make major decisions don’t always do the same, sometimes she speaks up beyond the margin. 

Below you will find Jean’s recent testimony to the Governor’s Council in opposition of Parole Board candidate Vincent DeMore. Based on her reporting on the subject, it reflects the current state of the overworked agency. -Chris Faraone, Editorial Director

MORE- READ MY OP-ED

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Opinion: The Parole Board Needs Experts On Substance Use, Psychology, And Reentry Read Post »

justice

Correcting The Record: Parole Rates in Massachusetts are NOT rising. 

Please read and share widely!

Pictured: Parole Board Counsel Judith Lyons and Chair Angelo Gomez, Jr. speak to Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration on Beacon Hill on Feb. 9, 2026 | Photo via recording of public hearing

Correcting The Record: Mass Parole Rates For Lifers Are Not Rising
State officials and news outlets recently reported that parole rates are on the rise, but data reveals that for Massachusetts lifers, the numbers are actually trending downward under new leadership—amidst mounting delays and stalled clemency petitions  MORE
 
 
 
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Correcting The Record: Parole Rates in Massachusetts are NOT rising.  Read Post »

justice Prison & the justice system

Massachusetts Parole Needs Attention NOW!

Please read and share widely! —Parole In Massachusetts: Ignored, Misunderstood, And Misrepresented  “How executive indifference, an overburdened board, and a sensationalist media are failing the promise of parole in the commonwealth” 

Click to continue with my newest at BINJ

 

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Massachusetts Parole Needs Attention NOW! Read Post »

justice Prison & the justice system

Why is the Parole Board on the Governor’s Back Burner?

 

Please read and share my newest which shows how little attention states are paying to

         When we asked “Why is the Parole Board on the Governor’s Back Burner?” here’s what we found.  Prisoner rights advocates say outgoing Chair Tina Hurley was dedicated and effective. So why is she leaving and who will replace her? MORE

 

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Why is the Parole Board on the Governor’s Back Burner? Read Post »

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