How to write a letter to the Arkansas Post-Prison Transfer Board for Jerry.
Letters of support are a big part of helping Jerry gain clemency.
Help us by writing a letter to the Arkansas Post-Prison Transfer Board on Jerry’s behalf.
Inmates in the Arkansas Department of Corrections Prison System are encouraged by the Arkansas Post-Prison Transfer Board to provide evidence of support for release and clemency. One way to do this is through letters supporting release.
What is a letter of support?
Letters of support are evidence that Jerry will have a network of friends and family to help when he is released. They show that somebody knows Jerry personally and cares about him. They also show that Jerry has had free world input while incarcerated and that somebody will help Jerry when he gets out.
A re-entry support letter shows tangible support that will be provided if Jerry comes home, such as housing, money, job, transportation, clothes, etc. Or, you can support by being a reference for a job or even being ongoing emotional support. A letter of recommendation explains why you believe Jerry’s time should be commuted. These letters testify to his transformation and potential if released. They also show that you are looking forward to spending time with him.
There are no rules for support letters. These are only guidelines and suggestions that you could use. You must use what fits your own personal situation. If you know Jerry personally or want to help him with employment or something in the real world after he gets released, we encourage you to write a letter of support to the Arkansas Post-Prison Transfer Board.
We wrote some guidelines to assist those that wish to write a letter of support for Jerry to the Arkansas Post-Prison Transfer Board.
There are two types of letters of support you can write:
Tangible support letters to support Jerry coming home such as housing, money, job, transportation, clothes, being a reference for jobs, or even being a friend or family member who can offer ongoing emotional support for Jerry as he transitions to life in the public sector.
Character Statements and recommendation letters explaining why Jerry should be granted clemency. They can testify to looking forward to spending time with Jerry, future plans you have with Jerry, or showing Jerry how to navigate his new life.
How to write a letter using A.I.
First, fill out the following questions about Jerry and then Go to an AI website such as Chat GPT or Gemini.google.com and copy and paste the following (after you have answered any relevant questions, other ones can be deleted from your copy/paste.) Or you can take these questions as a guide for writing your own letter.
Here is what to copy and paste to generate a letter from A.I. or artificial intelligence (be sure to answer any relevant questions first):
Please generate a support letter for Jerry Herron Jr.'s clemency, time commutation and parole using the following information and be sure to include Jerry’s DOC number which is Jerry Herron Jr. #114003 Grady, AR:
Date: [Your Answer]
Your Name: [Your Answer]
Your Contact Information: [Your Answer]
Your Professional Title: [Your Answer]
Do you have a Criminal Justice Background?: [Your Answer]
Your Relationship with Jerry and Length of Time Known: [Your Answer]
If you know Jerry personally, Explain your belief that despite Jerry’s mistake, he is a good person & the reason you feel this way. : [Your Answer]
Explain your belief that Jerry will be a useful and law abiding citizen given the chance and why or why you believe he deserves a chance at freedom: [Your Answer]
Your thoughts on Jerry’s rehabilitation and maturity. Describe any improvements in Jerry’s attitude, behavior, or efforts that Jerry has made to improve himself such as education or programs he has completed.: [Your Answer]
Explain your thoughts on Jerry’s Remorse for the Offense: [Your Answer]
Willingness to Assist Jerry’s Re-entry into Society and how you plan on doing so: [Your Answer]
Are you a potential employer with a felon friendly company that would be willing to offer Jerry an entry level position upon being granted clemency \ time commutation and parole? : [Your Answer]
Have you served time in prison with Jerry and if so, what is he like?: [Your Answer]
Description of Jerry’s Character: [Your Answer]
How did you feel when you found out Jerry was sentenced to life in prison: [Your Answer]
How many years do you feel someone with a life sentence should serve in prison before having a meaningful opportunity for review? : [Your Answer]
Have you reviewed the facts and circumstances of Jerry's case surrounding the Injustice that occurred during the course of his trial? : [Your Answer]
Do you know any returning citizens whom have been successful at parole and living positive productive lives post release? : [Your Answer]
Jerry has to receive (5) affirmative votes from the post prison transfer board that his petition has merit that warrants a sentence commutation. What would you say to the board in support of Jerry's release?
The Honorable Governor Huckabee Sanders will have the final disposition in Jerry's case, what would you say to her in support of Jerry's release?: [Your Answer]
Where to send your letter
Fax:
(501) 682-3860
Mail:
Arkansas Post-Prison Transfer Board
1302 Pike Avenue, Suite D
North Little Rock, AR 72114
Email:
Sample Letter
October 4, 2024
Arkansas Post Prison Transfer Board
1302 Pike Avenue, Suite D
North Little Rock, AR 72114
Subject: Support for Clemency and Parole for Jerry Herron Jr. #114003
Dear Members of the Arkansas Post-Prison Transfer Board,
My name is George Smith, and I am writing to express my support for the clemency and parole of Jerry Herron Jr., inmate number 114003, currently incarcerated in Grady, AR. I have been Jerry's close friend for 3 years.
Despite his past mistakes, Jerry has consistently demonstrated that he is a good person. His kindness and willingness to help others have always stood out to me. I firmly believe that if given the chance, Jerry will be a useful and law-abiding citizen. He has shown a strong commitment to rehabilitation and personal growth.
Jerry has made significant improvements in his attitude and behavior. He has completed several educational programs and has taken full responsibility for his actions. His deep remorse for his offense is evident in his words and actions.
I am willing to assist Jerry in his re-entry into society by offering him a job. Although I do not have a criminal justice background, I have seen firsthand the positive changes in Jerry's character. Learning that Jerry was sentenced to life in prison was devastating. The sentence seemed disproportionately harsh given the circumstances.
As a potential employer, I am willing to offer Jerry an entry-level position upon his release. I believe that someone with a life sentence should have a meaningful opportunity for review after serving 23 years.
I have reviewed the facts and circumstances of Jerry's case and believe there were significant injustices during his trial. Knowing successful returning citizens who have reintegrated positively into society, I am confident Jerry can do the same.
Governor, I urge you to grant Jerry Herron Jr. clemency
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
George Smith
Smith Trucking Company
Sign Jerry’s Online Petition
Please join us in this crucial advocacy effort by signing and sharing Jerry Herron’s petition on Change.org. Your support can make a significant difference in Jerry's life and help promote a more just and humane criminal justice system in Arkansas and beyond. Together, we can work towards a future where second chances are possible, and justice is truly served.
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