Corrections in the 21st Century:

Chapter 8: Parole - Early Release and Reentry

Introduction

• Discussion of parole and its impact on the criminal justice system.

Learning Objectives

• Present brief history of American parole development.

• Understand the function of parole in the criminal justice system.

• Define parole and explain the decision-making process.

• Describe characteristics of the parole population.

• Explain what works in parole supervision.

• Summarize current issues in parole.

Definition of Parole

• Parole: Conditional release of a prisoner under the supervision of a parole officer before completing the sentence.

  • Discretionary Release: Early release based on assessment of eligibility by the paroling authority.

  • Mandatory Release: Early release defined by a specific timeframe determined by law.

Historical Overview

Origins

• Roots in 18th-century English penal practice, particularly indentured servitude.

• First U.S. legislation authorizing parole was enacted in Massachusetts in 1837.

Key Findings

• Wickersham Commission: Reported that parole is cost-effective, allowing parolees to earn money compared to prisoners who do not.

Mission of Parole

• Preparedness and assistance for offenders’ reintegration after incarceration, while protecting public safety.

• Achieved through:

  • Supporting decision-making and enforcement of parole conditions.

  • Providing prerelease and postrelease programs.

  • Collaborating with criminal justice sectors.

Reentry Challenges

• Ineffectiveness of Reentry Programs: Due to insufficient supervision and budget constraints leading to a shift from service-based to surveillance-oriented strategies.

Characteristics of Women Offenders

• Predominantly from black, Hispanic, or other nonwhite ethnic backgrounds.

• High rates of prior abuse, HIV-positive status, and substance abuse at the time of arrest.

Service Needs of Prisoners

• Prevalence of various needs among prisoners:

  • Substance Abuse: 75%

  • Physical/Mental Disability: 83%

  • Lack of Education:

    • No high school diploma: 86%

    • No diploma/GED: 40%

  • Pre-incarceration Earnings: 50% earned less than $600/month.

  • Homelessness: 10% before or after incarceration.

Reentry Programs

• Second Chance Act: Provides support for programs aimed at:

  • Reducing substance addiction and improving education for incarcerated individuals.

  • Funding for career training for non-profits.

  • Implementing accountability measures for responsible spending of tax dollars.

Granting Parole

Roles of the Paroling Authority

• Authorized to grant, revoke, or discharge parolees.

Parole Hearing Fundamentals

• Participants in hearings include:

  • Victims and applicants.

  • Institutional representatives.

  • Parole board members or examiners.

Conditions of Parole

• Common requirements include:

  • Reporting upon release.

  • Maintaining employment/training.

  • Obeying laws & obtaining travel permits.

• Prohibitions against weapons, drugs, and communication with prisoners.

Nonrevocable Parole (NRP)

• An unsupervised type of parole not revokable for technical violations.

• Eligible offenders are nonviolent, nonsexual, low-level crimes not deemed threats.

Parole Supervision Effectiveness

• What Works in Reentry Clearinghouse:

  • Developed for best practices in reentry programs with support from the Second Chance Act.

Parolee Voting Rights

Arguments For Disenfranchisement

• Felons should be denied voting rights for principle and added punishment.

• Perception that felons cannot make informed political decisions.

Arguments Against Disenfranchisement

• Voting is a constitutional right.

• Disenfranchisement disproportionately affects minorities and is not an effective punishment.

Reentry Courts

• Manage the community reintegration of released individuals.

Core Elements (U.S. Department of Justice)

• Assessment and planning.

• Active judicial oversight.

• Case management and accountability mechanisms.

Involvement of Victims in Reintegration

• Victims can provide parole boards with valuable insights and information.

Rights of Victims

• Notification about parole proceedings.

• Opportunity to be heard and present during hearings.

• Ability to receive restitution.

Abolition of Discretionary Parole

Reasons for Abolition

• Perception of ineffective rehabilitation.

• Political and public pressure linking parole to rising crime and advocating for tougher stances.

Challenges in Prisoner Reentry

• Community corrections overwhelmed by numbers of releases.

• Need for services and environments that facilitate successful transitions into community.

Community Engagement in Parole Process

• Involvement of the community in parole operations.

Recommended Changes

• Clear mission statement, increased visibility, and partnership-building.

Conclusion

• Community support and engagement are pivotal for effective parole processes and successful reintegration of offenders.