Media attention on a recent parole hearing has sparked interest from local victims who want to have a say before their attackers are released from prison.

Connie Gibson recently visited Montgomery to face her attacker, Hugh Jene Doss, when he faced the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. Since then, many people have contacted District Attorney Greg Griggers to ask how they can face their attackers during their parole hearings.

Griggers said victims or family members of a victim need to make sure they stay in contact with the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. He also said it’s as easy as just calling the phone number provided and letting the person type the information into the system.

“Once you have gotten put back into the system, you will receive a certified notice when the person that harmed you comes up for parole,” Griggers said.

He said one of the main reasons people don’t come to parole hearings is because they don’t know when they are. If the Board doesn’t have a correct address then the notice will go to the current resident. He also said once a notice comes, citizens must respond to the notice by either going to the parole hearing or by writing a letter.

“The Board will read the letter out loud just as though you were there,” Griggers said.

He said if victims are thinking of facing an attacker and standing up to make sure they stay behind bars, they need to look to Gibson for inspiration. He also said she had the guts to stand before the Board and relive her horrible memories of almost getting killed at the hands of her attacker.

“Connie is truly a brave woman and deserves to live free from fear as do all victims of crime,” Griggers said.

Anyone interested in getting on the list of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles can contact the board at (334) 353-7380 or (334) 242-0110 or mail them a request at P.O. Box 302405, Montgomery, AL 36130-2405. He said if anyone has a problem getting information from the Board of Pardons and Paroles, they can contact the District Attorney’s office by calling (205) 652-4119 or write to P.O. Box 766, Livingston, AL 35470.