Parole Unlikely For Violent Offenders In Oklahoma, Report Says

The Oklahoman newspaper reports that the state Pardon and Parole Board considered more than 4,000 eligible inmates in 2015, recommending only 28 violent offenders for parole. The board paroled 363 nonviolent offenders.

Of the violent offenders recommended, Gov. Mary Fallin approved six. Nonviolent paroles don't require the governor's signature.

The five-member parole board has the potential to play a role in relieving overcrowding in state prisons, which are at 113 percent capacity.

Some attorneys who represent the offenders say the board is too prosecution-friendly. But parole board executive director DeLynn Fudge says the board considers each case individually and either makes a recommendation to the governor or grant parole.