BOARD OF PARDONS MEMBER
The Board of Pardons and Parole is created by the Utah Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 12. The position is merit exempt, statutorily created, and is appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Senate. Board Members are appointed for staggered five-year terms. Pursuant to statute, the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice will review and may interview applicants, and will recommend five applicants to the Governor. Board Members may not hold any other office in the government of the United States, the State of Utah or any other state, or of any county government or municipal corporation within a state. Board Members may not engage in any occupation or business inconsistent with their duties. Board Members must be citizens of the United States and residents of the State of Utah.
Board Members conduct and preside over hearings, participate in discussions and decisions, and may cast votes in every case, petition or application which comes before the Board in which the Board grants or denies pardons; grants or denies commutation of punishments or sentences; grants, denies, rescinds, revokes, amends or terminates parole; terminates or expires sentences; or imposes or remits restitution, fines, fees, or forfeitures. Board Members research, prepare and review case materials for, and participate in parole related hearings and reviews; hear and decide cases where pardons, executive clemency and commutation, including death penalty commutation, may be considered; and share on-call assignments in order to respond to AP&P warrant requests. Board Members must have the ability to study all available reports, consider and formulate an opinion on the culpability of the offender, the harm done to the victim and society, and determine an appropriate sanction to be applied to each offender. Hearings are held at correctional facilities throughout the state, and are open to the victim(s), the public and members of the media. All hearings are hearings of record, and are recorded. Board Members must have the ability to synthesize all written and verbal information, prepare a written summary of the same and formulate a specific recommendation in each case. Excellent written and verbal presentation skills are necessary. Board members make release decisions using the Structured Decision Making Framework that includes consideration of criminogenic and policy-relevant factors.
Other application requirements include a post-graduate degree, equivalent to or exceeding a Master's degree and at least seven years in criminal justice, corrections, social or behavioral sciences, public administration, law or related fields OR equivalent professional experience. The position may be filled as a POST certified or non-POST certified position.
Principal Duties
- Determine, by concurrence and majority vote, all pardon, parole; prison release; length of prison incarceration; commutation; executive clemency; and most post-incarceration offender criminal judgment financial obligations for the State.
- Participate in or preside over parole, pardon hearings and evidentiary hearings.
- Review and/or evaluate reports, documents, laws, rules, and regulations; edit prepare, or approve summaries of findings.
- Question witnesses and consider testimony and evidence, rule on the admissibility of and weigh the import and credibility of testimony and evidence; and issue written orders and rulings.
- Interpret, clarify, explain and apply agency policies and procedures, practices, federal or state laws and regulations.
- May recommend, advocate and/or implement new, and/or changes to, existing policies and procedures, laws or regulations.
- Review warrant requests to determine probable cause and issue warrants of arrest.
- Develop statutes and rules; may assist in the rulemaking process; monitor compliance with rulemaking requirements.
- Delegate work assignments; monitor and review the quality of staff work.
- Conduct Board-related presentations and training for other criminal justice stakeholders.
- Participate in various criminal justice committees, councils, or commissions as assigned by the Board chair.
Ideal Candidate
- Must possess the ability to logically analyze and identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts associated with information or data in order to draw conclusions.
- Must possess an exceptional work ethic; and possess the ability to work as part of and contribute to a collegial, interactive, and decision-making group.
- Must be very familiar with Utah's criminal justice system and Utah's indeterminate criminal punishment statutory paradigm.
- Must have the ability to synthesize all written and verbal information, prepare a written summary of the same and formulate a specific recommendation in each case.
- Must understand the constitutional and statutory rights of victims and offenders in relationship to Utah's criminal justice system and Board hearings and decisions.
- Must assure that all rights are preserved and upheld, and that victims are always treated with respect.
- Must demonstrate exceptional written and verbal presentation skills.
- Must understand general and Utah specific principles, theories, and practices of: law enforcement; sentencing, criminal punishment, probation, parole and penal rehabilitation.
- Must understand and apply case and statutory law, as well as understand legal processes and procedures.
- Must be or become familiar with, and be able to use and apply offender assessment information and sentencing guidelines, including use of the Structured Decision Making Framework.
- Must understand the need, role and impact of parole conditions; and be able to define and impose parole conditions appropriately and effectively in order to address the specific needs and risks of each offender.
- Must be able to facilitate and conduct hearings, meetings, teams, or work groups to encourage participation, build mutual trust, respect and cooperation among participants.
- Must be able to deal with people in a manner which shows sensitivity, tact, and professionalism.
- Must ensure compliance with State human resource, procurement, contracting and department policies and procedures; and must be familiar with and be able to implement State programs, conserve State resources; and implement public policies.
- Must understand and be familiar with principles, theories, and practices of public relations; and must be able and willing to represent the Board in speaking before concerned or interested entities, groups, legislators, citizens and the media.
- Must have the ability to conduct employee evaluations; conduct staff training and development; take appropriate disciplinary and corrective actions; and make hiring, promotion and termination recommendations.
Supplemental Information
The Member, Board Of Pardons position may be filled as a POST certified or non-POST certified position.
Position begins approximately October of 2025. Position may begin at an earlier date.
On call required to issue warrants of arrest, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. This duty is rotated through the Board members, but back up may be required as needed. Travel is required to the different correctional facilities throughout the state. Travel to correctional facilities outside the state may be required on occasion.
This position is eligible for the Public Safety Retirement plan within URS.
Per Section 77-27-2 (c)- The governor may at any time remove any member of the board for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office, or for cause upon a hearing.
Per Section Section 77-27-2(a)(i) The full time board members shall serve terms of five years. *This particular position will be through February 2030 to fulfill the remainder of another board member's term*