Governor Mary Fallin asks for greater transparency from Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Gov. Mary Fallin's office has asked the state Pardon and Parole Board to change some of its policies and practices following a prosecutor's accusations that it conducts a secret parole docket in violation of the Open Meeting Act.

Fallin's general counsel, Steve Mullins, sent a letter on Wednesday to the board's executive director, Terry Jenks, and chairperson, Lynnell Harkins. It recommends changes to the board's policies and practices to improve openness and transparency at board meetings.

The recommendations include:

• Creation of a separate commutation docket
• Clarification of the board's commutation and parole process for the public
• Insuring that the board's investigative reports are accurate and complete

Last week, Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater accused the board of granting early parole to state prison inmates who were not eligible.