Section 6161 - Parolee Homicide Review Team

61 PA Cons Stat § 6161 (2019) (N/A)
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(a) Establishment.--The department shall establish the Parolee Homicide Review Team, which shall examine circumstances surrounding those who have committed criminal homicide while under supervision by the board.

(b) Powers and duties.--The department, in cooperation with the members of the Parolee Homicide Review Team, shall have the following powers and duties in relation to the program:

(1) Collect, review and analyze all appropriate events and issues surrounding and related to homicides committed by those while under the supervision of the board.

(2) Identify compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, guidelines, best practices, protocols and other standards.

(3) Develop and recommend any appropriate changes in applicable statutes, regulations, guidelines, best practices, protocols and other standards.

(4) Review relevant and applicable issues related to the training of individuals who interact with those under the supervision of the board and develop and recommend any appropriate changes to such training.

(5) Review relevant and applicable issues related to collaboration with other criminal justice agencies and develop recommendations to address any systematic gaps in supervision and public safety.

(6) Review relevant and applicable issues related to treatment, counseling, services and reentry programs and develop recommendations to improve case management of individuals.

(7) Submit a report to the Governor and the chairperson and minority chairperson of the Judiciary Committee of the Senate and the chairperson and minority chairperson of the Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives by September 30 of each year relating to the activities, review, findings, analysis and recommendations of the Parolee Homicide Review Team. The recommendations shall address all issues identified under paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6), as well as factors that are likely to improve supervision practices, identify deficiencies in the system and recommendations to address them in order to reduce recidivism and improve public safety and strengthen collaboration with criminal justice agencies.

(c) Nonhomicides.--The chair, in consultation with and approval of the other members of the Parolee Homicide Review Team, may include case reviews of nonhomicide cases if such cases resulted in a serious breach of public safety and review of such cases is necessary to maintain or improve the safety of the public.

(d) Meetings.--The Parolee Homicide Review Team shall meet no less than once per year, but as often as the chair deems necessary to fulfill the duties of the Parolee Homicide Review Team.