Senior Parole Officer
Wende Correctional Facility
Wende Rd., PO Box 1187
Alden, NY 14004-1187

Dear Senior Parole Officer of Wende Correctional Facility:

I am writing on behalf of Robert Hayes #74A2280, who is scheduled to appear before the parole board for the seventh time in June of 2010. Robert Hayes' application for parole was denied when he last appeared before the board two years ago. At the time of that appearance, his record was excellent. However, since that time his record is outstanding.

Mr. Hayes has continued to work to help others and improve himself. While at Clinton Correctional Facility, he facilitated in the HIV Educators program to assist others as well as becoming a member of the Lifer's and Long Termers Organization, whose primary goal is to educate and instruct newly arriving inmates in adjustment to and preparation for final release from incarceration.

Since his transfer to Wende Correctional Facility, he has coached basketball and participated in a local restorative justice project. These are but a few of his many accomplishments over his years of incarceration. I am confident that were he to be released, he would be a great asset to the community and to society at large.

There is no question that the crime for which Mr. Hayes was convicted was a serious crime. However, he has shown remorse and takes full responsibility for his acts.

I am sure that you will agree that after serving almost 36 years, Mr. Hayes' release at this time would not deprecate the seriousness of the crime or undermine respect for the law.

Moreover, if you examine all of the factors that are used to predict whether a person is likely to recidivate, those factors indicate that Mr. Hayes will not engage in any criminal activity. His disciplinary history during his incarceration indicates that he obeys the rules in prison; he has a supportive network of family and friends on the outside available to assist him in his reintegration back into society and he had an extensive work history prior to being incarcerated, in addition to obtaining marketable skills in prison that will help him to obtain employment. Nothing is gained by his continued incarceration, and much is lost, as he has much to offer the community upon his release.

By the time that Mr. Hayes appears before the parole board, he will be 62 years old—more than 30 years older and considerably wiser than the man who was charged with committing the crime. He is a compassionate, caring individual and deserves a second chance.

Please grant Mr. Hayes parole and give him that second chance.

Sincerely, _____________________