Divisions and Programs

Investigations

Headed by the Chief of Investigations, the Investigations Division conducts investigations of pardon, reprieve, and commutation cases at the request of the Governor. Such investigations include death penalty investigations, allegations of innocence or mitigating circumstances from life prisoners, requests for medical release or re-sentencing consideration, and evidence that Battered Woman Syndrome may have been a significant factor in the life crime. The Division also conducts investigations for the Board itself, including any parole suitability concerns raised by Commissioners, investigations of parole plans prior to release of life prisoners to parole, confidential informants, employee backgrounds, and out-of-state investigation requests. The Division is also responsible for office security, and provides BPH executive protection.

Pardon Investigations
A California Governor's pardon is an honor traditionally granted only to individuals who have demonstrated exemplary behavior following conviction. The granting of a full pardon entitles the applicant to exercise some of the civil and political rights of citizenship that were lost as a result of the conviction. The majority of cases referred to the Board concern applicants who have been convicted of a felony or specified misdemeanor sex offense and have received a Certificate of Rehabilitation from the superior court in their county of residence (Note: Quick Reference Guide for Restoration of Rights). All other cases are by way of a direct or "traditional pardon" application. To obtain further information about the pardon application process, see the How To Apply for a Pardon section.

Battered Woman Syndrome Investigations
Investigations into the probability that a prisoner's crime was the result of domestic violence or Battered Woman Syndrome may be initiated upon the request of the Governor or the Board. Information is gathered by the Investigations Division and a report is submitted to the Board for consideration. The Board may then make a recommendation to the Governor regarding clemency.

Death Penalty Investigations
Upon receipt of a petition for clemency, the Governor may request that the Board investigate and make a recommendation to assist in determining whether to grant a reprieve or executive clemency. Persons currently on condemned status are listed on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation website.

California International Prisoner Transfer Treaty Program

Authority to approve transfers of foreign citizen inmates to their native countries to serve the remainder of their prison terms is delegated to the Executive Officer of the Board of Parole Hearings by the Governor under the provisions of Government Code section 12012.1.

Factors that affect the transfer eligibility of foreign citizen inmates include the circumstances of their crime, the policies of other nations, the lack of treaty between the United States (U.S.) and their country of nationality, or the eligibility requirements of international treaties (the first of which is that inmates must willingly volunteer to be considered for transfer).

California Strongly supports the concept of transferring foreign national inmates, especially if it will enhance their rehabilitation and successful re-entry to society. To obtain further information about the transfer treaty program, please read the International Prisoner Transfer Treaty Program information brochure in English or Spanish, or visit the United States Justice Department, International Prisoner Transfer Unit’s website at http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/oeo/links/intlprisoner/intlprisoner.html. The State Department also maintains current Embassy contact information at http://usembassy.state.gov/.