Georgia is pioneering a strategy to eliminate parole offices in an effort the state says will allow officers to spend more time in the community and will also save money.

The state has closed most of its 48 parole offices. Officers have been equipped with laptops, smartphones and mobile printers, turning their vehicles into mobile offices.

The executive director of parole for Georgia says the savings amounted to about $1.5 million in the first year, which can be reinvested in programs or technology.

State Board of Pardons and Parole spokesman Steve Hayes says no other state has eliminated physical parole offices to the same extent. He says the state has been asked to give a presentation on the "virtual office" at a national parole conference in July.

Tags: parole officers, virtual office, State Board of Pardons and Parole