Explain how parole is granted throughout most state systems and what tends to influence parole decisions.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

In most states, offender cases are assigned to various individual parole board members who are tasked with reviewing the case so they can formulate their initial recommendations. The recommendations that they provide are typically honored and accepted as written. Most states follow this process with a formal hearing where parole board members may share their views. When the parole hearing is conducted with the offender seeking parole, it may be that all members involved with the decision may be present or just one member may be present. It is not always the case that all parole board members will meet with the inmate seeking parole. When parole hearings are conducted, the board may travel to the correctional facility or the inmate may be brought to the board. The process and guidelines for parole selection tend to vary considerably from state to state. Some states have a minimum amount of time that each offender must be served. Others may have stipulations on the types of crimes that have been committed. The actual decision by any parole board is discretionary. Parole boards are influenced by a variety of issues, many of which are not necessarily official agency guidelines. Institutional infractions, the age of the offender, and the offender’s marital status, level of education, and prior offenses may all influence parole decisions. Ultimately, whether the offender is a risk to society should influence the decision. However, extenuating circumstances, political agendas, and prison overcrowding can also influence parole decisions. Although the use of parole was not intended to be a mechanism to assist prisons in maintaining population overflow within prisons, there is evidence that it has been used in this way. Using parole as a release valve mechanism is becoming increasingly popular as states continue to face economic challenges.