Parole

Parole What is Parole?

Jails and Prisons What is the difference between jail and prison? Jail: Prison:

Parole History Reasons For Parole Origin:

Parole History Parole Intent

Parole Criticisms Criticisms

Parole History Parole has traditionally been linked to Indeterminate Sentencing. – Wide Ranging Discretion – Freedom From External Controls – Statutes Specify Maximum Sentences Good Time Statutes allowed deduction of time served for good behavior.

Types Of Prison Release Conditional (AKA: Discretionary) Mandatory Unconditional

Important Terminology Minimum Expiration Date (MED)

Parolee Adjustment Problems Parolees

Parolee Adjustment Problems Most offenders

Civil Liberties Felons lose some civil liberties.

Argument Parole, like prison, is supposed to change a person, making them less likely to re-offend and more likely to survive in society. Some argue to abolish parole. Why not argue to abolish prison? It doesn’t work to improve behavior.

Parole Abolition Parole has been abolished in 17 states. Get-Tough Era of Corrections

Parole Abolition Has parole been abolished in Virginia? Is parole still granted in Virginia?

Parole Administrative Structure Three Types Institutional Model Autonomous Model Consolidated Model

Parole Administrative Structure Institutional Model

Parole Administrative Structure Autonomous Model

Parole Administrative Structure Consolidated Model

Reality If parole was abolished in Virginia, why would legislators re-institute it under other names? Reason: The need to appear tough on crime. Is this ethical leadership? Does it say politicians lack faith in the public’s ability to make informed decisions?

Parole Grant Rates National Parole Grant Rates % 1988 About 40% Virginia Parole Grant Rates % % 2001 About 8%

Parole Grant Rates Parole decisions are made by Parole Boards.

Parole Bias and Public Responsibility Virginia parole grant rate when Gov. George Allen took office was 42%. Gov. Allen appointed a new Parole Board. The grant rate immediately dropped to 6%. Richmond Times Dispatch ran the story. The grant rate immediately rose to 15%.

Parole Bias and Public Responsibility Fact: Probation and Parole are at least as effective as prison at reducing recidivism. Fact: CBC with TX costs less than prison and greatly reduces recidivism. It is good public stewardship to confine all offenders for 85% of their sentence?