Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvania Board of Pardons public hearings for commutation of sentence were conducted in person, allowing applicants, families, advocacy groups and the public to fully engage with the proceedings. Since shifting to online sessions in 2020, public visibility has eroded significantly.
Over the last 2 years, BOP members have rarely kept their cameras on. Aside from Lieutenant Governor Davis, who facilitates hearings, board members are seen on camera only during roll call and final voting. Hiding behind turned-off cameras during critical hearings undermines public trust, eliminates basic visual accountability, and defeats the core purpose of an open, public proceeding. Applicants seeking clemency and the citizens watching deserve a transparent process where decision-makers are fully present and accountable.
Basic Fairness Requires:
- Mandatory Camera Participation: Require all BOP members to keep their video cameras turned on throughout the entire duration of all public hearings.
- Gallery View Access: Ensure the public broadcast utilizes a gallery view format so observers can see all decision-makers simultaneously.
- Return to In-Person Access: Establish a clear plan to reinstate in-person options for public hearing to ensure full accessibility and community engagement
- Start meetings at the time they are advertised. The September 10th hearing started 15 minutes early.
Take Action Now:
- Contact LT. Governor Austin Davis Directly through the online contact form:
https://www.pa.gov/form/lt-gov/contact.html - Call: 717-787-3300 or Write: LT. Governor Davis 200 Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120
- Governor Shapiro’s Text Line: 717-788-8990
- Sample Text: Governor Shapiro! Implore the Board of Pardons to Show their Face during public hearings! Board members must turn their cameras on and the zoom must be placed on gallery view during the public hearings so the public can see the faces of the Board members. This is a minimal ask of public officials.
- Fill out Gov. Shapiro’s online contact form:
https://www.pa.gov/form/governor/contact.html
Put the PUBLIC back in Public Hearings!
