NCJ Number
222742
Journal
Perspectives Volume: 30 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2006 Pages: 26-37
Date Published
2006
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper presents an argument for the study of post-prison supervision/parole with an overview of existing research, and discusses policy implications for the “reinvention” of parole and its potential in playing a major role in the reduction of crime.
Abstract
While parole generally is not producing large, visible reductions in crime among its caseload, it has the potential to do so. Parole officers are counted on to catch parolees for parole violations and return them to prison, similar to what is expected of police officers, to catch and arrest criminals. But few expect parole to actually deter and prevent new crimes from occurring. However, parole officers have advantages over their policing colleagues. Parole officers know specifically who to watch, their caseloads, and they have legal authority over them. Moreover, they can set rules for these individuals and implement a system of sanctions and incentives to help coax good behavior. These are powerful tools that should be strategically employed, not minimized. However, parole agencies must work together with their prison and community-based colleagues to prepare inmates for release, help parolees navigate the first critical hours and days of freedom, and connect those motivated to jobs, treatment, healthcare, housing, and a supportive network of family and friends. The timing is right in improving supervision and delivering on its potential to reduce crime. This paper begins with an argument for why supervision should be studied, followed by an overview of the research. It concludes with some thoughts about policy opportunities for the field arguing that the current focus on prisoner reentry provides timely opportunity to “reinvent” parole. Figures, notes, and references