I was sad to read the article, "Uproar slams door on parole plan," May 22. The former parole officer was correct in pointing out the flaw in putting the relatively few parolees registered as sex offenders in the Catch-22 situation of violating their parole restrictions by coming within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds or violating a condition of their parole by not showing up for their mandatory visit to see their parole officer. But the rest of what he was quoted as saying made me sad; especially the reference to parolees as violent criminals. That idea only serves to fan people's fears.
People reporting to their parole officers are not criminals, they are citizens. A person is much more than his or her most serious act. Parolees have done their time, and most of them will live a crime-free life from now on. They are no more dangerous than the average citizen walking down any street in Albany. Besides, the parole board office is the last place they would commit a crime if they were so inclined; they are there because they are following the law. They can land back in prison for not being there.
It's time we who live in Albany started working together to welcome our brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, friends and neighbors when they return from years in a cage. They deserve our support and our compassion. Anything less does jeopardize our safety.
Judith Brink
Albany
NYS Parole Reform Campaign