CO Union Denounces 'Thrill Killer' Parole

The Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers said the release of "Thrill Killer" Alfred Brissette yesterday is disgusting, appalling and "would put the citizens of Rhode Island in danger."

Additionally, the union called for the resignation of all Parole Board members.

"Here is a guy who kidnapped a random woman, beat her over the head with a lug wrench, tried to sever her spine with a shovel, and then dug a hole to bury her in," said David Mellon, president of RIBCO. "And he did it for fun. Now he is being released after serving only thirteen years because they were 'impressed with inmate's program participation and his documented plan for change.' We find that to be not only non-sensical, but also dangerous to innocent Rhode Islanders."

The union launched a campaign titled "End the Violence, Rhode Island in 2012 in an effort to "shed light on the state's lenient and unaccountable Parole Board," according to a release. The union also has been trying to raise awareness about the state's "good time" law, which helps criminals who behave while in prison get out early.

The union takes credit for getting legislation passed last year that reduced good time rewards for violent crimes like murder, kidnapping and child molestation. But the current policy doesn't go far enough, the union said.

"It's time to review the policies that are currently in place, whether it be legislatively or otherwise. Because if we are releasing a vicious murderer like Alfred Brissette decades before his release date, then something is wrong," Mellon said. "Our current policies are allowing for violent criminals to be released into our neighborhoods. Just because they behave in prison does not make them fit to be released."