Parole

Theological/Ethical Background

A commitment to restorative justice means addressing the hurt of each person whose life has been touched by crime.  Retributive justice often reflects the spirit of vengeance and ignores the systemic societal dimensions associated with crime.  The challenge is to incapacitate offenders in a manner that limits violence, and holds open the possibility of conversion and restoration.  (ELCA Statement on the Death Penalty)

Background

For years inmates had a reasonable expectation to be paroled if they spent their minimum  time behind bars staying out of trouble, doing what they were expected to do and trying to improve themselves in order to be productive members of society upon release.  In the past getting additional education or being in rehabilitation programs counted in their favor when it came time to be considered for parole.   

Now the system has changed.  Many inmates who followed such a path in prison are now routinely denied parole, with the original crime cited as the reason for denial.

Under the auspices of the NYSCC, research has been done about characteristics of an individual that makes them a good candidate for parole; and the  NYSCC has a file of individuals who meet these criteria.

Summary of Research (over 15 separate studies)

•       Long-term violent offenders have a lower rate of violence when released than short-term non-violent offenders.

•       Long-term offenders have a parole success rate of 79.4% as compared to a success rate of 32.5% for all others released in a three year
        period.

•       A number of studies indicate that parole success increases dramatically when there is

        •       educational advancement

        •       strong family ties

        •       vocational training

        •       spiritual growth

        •       community support

•       Long-term offenders who have earned college and graduate degrees have a parole success rate of approximately 94%.

•       This latter group in particular is being denied parole repeatedly and  in very high numbers.

•       Studies from the Department of Corrections validate that education and vocational training reduces recidivism rates.

What Would Help

Reconsider the repeated denial of parole for long term offenders ( serving 15 years or more) using criteria that identifies characteristics of a candidate that can be successfully paroled.

                                                5/2005