Google has recognized the State Board of Pardons and Paroles as a "Government Transformer" for its implementation of the virtual office. Google presents this honor to forward-thinking public servants and entities that work to transform government services through innovation with cutting-edge technology.
Phil Sellers, the Parole Board’s Chief Information Officer, was recently featured on the Google "Government Transformers" site as he outlined the virtual office concept. Sellers explained that the Board closed parole offices and placed officers full-time in their state vehicles, or “virtual offices,” in the interest of public safety.
“We decided to do away with the brick-and-mortar offices and create “virtual offices” using mobile devices and Google Apps, Maps and Chrome. We invested the money we saved on real estate directly into new mobile devices, additional vehicles, and other equipment to help officers keep the community safe,” said Sellers. Sellers says parole officers were spending too much time completing paper work and meeting with parolees in the office setting. He added that the parole officer’s place is in the community.
The virtual office began as a pilot in one parole district in 2012. Today, all Georgia parole officers are able to work in the virtual environment. Parole officers complete all tasks from their vehicle and have increased contacts with parolees in the community at their homes, workplaces, and at treatment programs.
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