Rhode Island Parole Board

10/27/2026

Board Member spotlight: Detective Captain Dennis O'Brien, commanding officer of the Detective Division for the Providence Police Department, serves as the law enforcement designee to the Rhode Island Parole Board (appointed April 2026).

Captain O’Brien holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University. He served in the Rhode Island Army National Guard from 1994 to 2000, achieving the rank of E-5. A highly decorated officer, he graduated first in his class as Honor Graduate of the 57th Providence Police Academy. He is a three-time recipient of the Rhea Archambault Award (2003, 2004, 2008) and has also received the Commissioner’s Award, Chief’s Award, Outside Agency Award, three City Council Awards, and a Unit Citation.

In June 2021, he completed the 90th Session of the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP), and has also attended the Henry Williams Homicide Seminar and the First Line Supervisor Course at Roger Williams University.

10/21/2026

Congratulations to all of the honorees, with special recognition from the Parole Board to our vice-chairwoman, Victoria Almeida!

Tomorrow we celebrate our 44th Annual Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Awards. Before we gather, please join us one final time in recognizing this year’s remarkable honorees and their outstanding contributions to our community.

Tickets are still available: https://justiceassistance.networkforgood.com/events/100589-44th-annual-neil-j-houston-jr-memorial-awards

2026 Neil J. Houston, Jr. Memorial Award Recipients:
Kevin Barry, Lt. Colonel (Ret.), RI State Police
Magistrate John F. McBurney, III, RI Superior Court
Jane Quinlan, Administrative Clerk, RI Traffic Tribunal

2026 Edward V. Healey, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient:
Victoria M. Almeida, Esq, Vice Chairperson, Rhode Island Parole Board

2026 R. Kevin Horan Emerging Leader Award Recipient:
Chelsea A. Kelly, Esq, Attorney, CK Law, LLC

2026 Jonathan J. Houston Founders' Award Recipient:
The Honorable Jeanne E. LaFazia, Chief Judge, Rhode Island District Court

10/07/2026

This project is consistent with how the Board has approached its work for many years - we are excited to collaborate with the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.

Rhode Island Parole Board and Department of Corrections Begin 24-Month National Parole Initiative Published on Monday, October 05, 2026 CRANSTON, RI – October 5, 2026 – The Rhode Island Parole Board and Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC) have begun a 24-month collaboration with the C...

07/27/2026

My message to our dedicated staff & the pretrial & parole professionals at the RI Department of Corrections for National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week:

“I noticed that this year’s theme is ‘Connected for Change: Building Bridges in Supervision,’

-seems fitting for the work we do together and how meaningful change depends on strong connections among board members, field investigators, managers, support staff, victim advocates, parole officers, DOC, community service providers, families, and - of course- those under supervision.

This work is difficult. And it matters. It also requires each of us to communicate clearly, follow through, and remain accountable to one another and the real people at the end of a parole hearing, a pretrial case, or supervision caseload. Building bridges is not only about collaboration; it is also about trust, consistency, and shared responsibility.

On behalf of the Board, THANK YOU to everyone here who brings that commitment to the work each day.”
Laura Pisaturo
Chairperson

07/15/2026

Continuous education is vital for our mission. The Rhode Island Parole Board administration and our 3 newest board members are at the National Corrections Academy this week, attending a combined Parole Board Chairperson/Member training.

We invest in advanced training for board members to maintain our commitment to integrating evidence based principles into our parole board practices.

05/25/2026

Forever grateful for the heroes who protected our freedom and never made it home. May we live in a way that is worthy of their legacy. 🇺🇸

05/08/2026

Members of the Rhode Island Parole Board and colleagues from Rhode Island Department of Corrections are participating in a convening with the Center for Effective Public Policy - CEPP as part of a 2yr project focused on improving parole decision-making.

Supported by Arnold Ventures, this initiative brings together national experts and partner jurisdictions to strengthen parole practices, promote consistency, and support fair, informed decision-making.

More to come as we return to Rhode Island to continue this work!

05/05/2026

This week, we recognize National Correctional Officers and Employees Week—a time to thank those who show up every day to do one of the most demanding roles in public service.

Correctional officers and staff work in high-stress, unpredictable environments to maintain safety and stability inside our facilities. Their work often goes unseen, but it is essential—not only to facility operations, but also to the work of the Parole Board. From facilitating hearings to ensuring secure and orderly processes, their professionalism and support make our work possible.

They also play an important role in supporting rehabilitation and successful reentry, contributing to safer communities across Rhode Island.

To all correctional officers and correctional employees: thank you for the work you do every day—it matters.

04/23/2026

It was a cold day, but there was plenty of warmth at yesterday’s Victims Grove Ceremony during Victims’ Rights Week.

The Parole Board was proud to be represented by Board Chair Laura Pisaturo and key staff to recognize DOC victim advocate Kim Maciel, Correctional Officer Ron Lobianco and comfort dog Hemi, and Lt. Lisa Leveillee and comfort dog Paisley for the care and support they provide to victims of crime during the parole process.

We are grateful for all they do.