Access to parole hearings curtailed as California fights coronavirus spread

State prison officials announced Sunday that victims or their family members can no longer appear in person at parole hearings for inmates, the latest move by the state to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

The new policy by the state Board of Parole Hearings requires victims or family members wanting to speak about whether an inmate should be paroled to appear by phone or videoconference, and places the same limitations on prosecutors, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabiliation said. Observers also are banned.

“Attorneys representing inmates at parole consideration hearings and interpreters will continue to appear personally for parole consideration hearings,” CDCR said. “While BPH appreciates that these are not ideal arrangements, the Department is obligated to limit the number of people at parole consideration hearings, minimize travel via common carriers and lodging, and adhere to social distancing recommendations as much as possible.

“CDCR has reached out to those victims/victims next of kin who are immediately affected by this decision.”

State prison officials already have halted family and normal visitation at the prisons, although legal visits still are allowed.

Corrections officials say that as of Sunday there still have not been any confirmed cases of coronavirus in the prisons.

Victims and family members who want to participate remotely in parole hearings should contact the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services at CDCROVSRSliferanalyst@cdcr.ca.gov, teh department said.

Prosecutors wanting to weigh in an a parole hearing should contact officials at BPHliferanalyst@cdcr.ca.gov.