Parole
Parole is a period of supervised release after prison. Individuals on parole must regularly check in with a parole agent, who ensures that they are following all the requirements of the release. If these requirements are violated, the person’s parole may be revoked and they will be sent back to prison.
Who is on parole?
People on parole have generally completed certain requirements of their sentence (such as a minimum time spent) and have been approved for release by a parole board. The corrections system works to ensure that the person is set up for success before they are released.
What drives changes in the parole population over time?
There are many drivers that change the parole population over time, including but not limited to:
- Number of people sentenced
- Parole grant rate
- Internal procedures of the parole board and DOC
- Legislative activity
What proportion of people succeed on parole?
A successful end to one’s parole term is a sentence completion, after which the individual is no longer supervised by a parole agent. Failure to succeed generally means a return to prison. This success rate is improved by addressing critical needs of justice-involved individuals, including employment, housing, and need-based care.
How do returns for parole violations happen?
Returns for parole violations occur when a person on parole violates a condition of their supervision or commits a new crime and is reincarcerated as a result. Reasons for returns generally fall into one of three categories: technical violation, new offense, or absconsion.