[JURIST] Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell on Friday ordered [press release] the Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles [official website] "to immediately suspend approval of future parole for any inmate serving a sentence involving a violent offense." Rell said her decision was based on several recent incidents where parolees have been accused in violent crimes. The new policy "will remain in place until reforms of the parole process are complete."

In addition to banning future parole for violent offenders, Rell also directed the Pardon and Parole Board to review the status of violent offenders currently out on parole; any offender found to be in violation of the terms of their parole will be required to serve the remainder of their sentence. In her announcement, Rell said:

Parole is a privilege, not a right: It must be earned and it must be retained. Until we can find a better way to determine who poses a risk to the public if released, we will not add to the ranks of people on parole.