Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson to hold hearing reviewing the Division of Parole's policies on drug testing and sanctions for technical violations

NEW YORK STATE SENATE COMMITTEE ON

CRIME VICTIMS, CRIME AND CORRECTION

RUTH HASSELL-THOMPSON CHAIRPERSON

NOTICE OF INVESTIGATORY AGENCY HEARING

of

Division of Criminal Justice Services

New York State Division of Parole

Purpose:         To review the Division of Parole’s Policies on Drug Testing and Sanctions for Technical Violations 

When:             Thursday, March 18, 2010 

Time:              2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. 

Where:           Room 124, Capitol Building, Albany, NY  12247 

Witnesses:      Andrea W. Evans, Commissioner, NYS Division of Parole; Mary Kavaney Deputy Secretary for Public Safety and Manuelita Clemente, Local 236, Public Employees Federation 

Notice:            This investigatory hearing is open to the public 

            The New York State Senate Committee on  Crime Victims, Crime and Correction will be examining issues reported in the press raising questions about whether the Division of Parole is rationing drug tests or allowing those who flunk drug tests or fail to attend programs to remain free without any sanctions. These issues notably arise from the case of Howard Tucker, a 37 year old parolee who was shot to death by Albany police on February 16^th following a traffic stop. City of Albany police officials say that Tucker possessed a loaded firearm and nearly ran over a police officer in an effort to flee. Press accounts have indicated that Tucker failed seven drug tests last year and that employees of the Division of Parole failed to test him in January because of purported shortages of drug testing kits. Parole Officers allegedly have said that supervisors have directed them to ration tests.