Governor Youngkin Fires Parole Board

January 9, 2023

Local News

On Day One, Governor Youngkin issued Executive Order 3 which fired the previous Parole Board and requested a programmatic review of the Board’s duties, procedures, and administration. Governor Youngkin released the following statement on Parole Board Chairman Dotson’s programmatic review of the Parole Board’s duties, procedures, and administration:

“Under previous administrations, the Board failed to uphold the laws enacted by the General Assembly, damaged the integrity of the Commonwealth’s system of criminal justice and undermined the confidence of our citizens. As a result, state laws were violated, a cop killer was released, and victims were not routinely or properly notified,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “I’m pleased that Chairman Dotson has done a thorough review and has implemented many key changes, especially providing increased information to victims and requiring the input of victims and Commonwealth’s Attorneys before considering parole. While there is more work to be done, I am proud of Chairman Dotson and the new Board for implementing changes to ensure they are considering victims and their families, increasing transparency, and following the law.”

“The Virginia Parole Board serves a vital public safety function, but has operated in the shadows for far too long. From day one, Governor Youngkin has made clear that we must restore public trust in this agency through increased transparency. I’m excited about the work the administration has already done, and I am eager to take even bolder steps. Virginians deserve to see what we’re doing, so that they can trust that these important decisions are being made fairly, with full justification, and with proper consideration for public safety and the rights of victims,” said Chairman Chadwick Dotson.