The Kentucky Justice & Public Safety Cabinet

As the primary releasing authority for all convicted felons and youthful offenders, the Kentucky Parole Board conducts thousands of hearings annually—for both victims and offenders.  Victim input is an important element in the board’s decision-making process.  Testimony, given at weekly victim impact hearings, helps to personalize each crime and helps the board better understand the effects of the crime on the victims and/or their families.

The board’s four major responsibilities are determining when to authorize the release of an offender prior to the expiration of the court-imposed maximum sentence; setting conditions to govern the parolee’s behavior and rehabilitative efforts; revoking parole if the parolee violates conditions of parole supervision; and issuing the final discharge once the parolee has successfully completed their sentence.