What does parole mean and what happens during a hearing?
PAROLE is where prisoners can appeal to gain an early release from prison, agreeing to abide by behavioural restrictions.
Here, we look at how they can apply for parole and the process behind it.
What is parole?
"Parole" means a prisoner is able to leave jail or be released from custody before the end of their sentence.
It is a temporary or permanent release of a prisoner who agrees to certain conditions before the completion of the maximum sentence period.
Conditions of parole often include things such as obeying the law, refraining from drug and alcohol use, avoiding contact with victims, getting a job and meeting with a parole officer.
The term actually backdates to the Middle Ages, when prisoners were released if they gave their word.
What happens during a parole hearing?
Up to three members of a panel will decide whether to release a prisoner based on a file of documents the prison puts together.
The file includes information on:
- their behaviour in prison
- what they plan to do once released
- whether they’re likely to commit more crime or are a danger to the public
- why they’re in prison
- previous offences
- what the judge said when they were sentenced
- the victim statement - this may be read at the hearing
- medical, psychiatric and psychological evidence
There may be a solicitor, prison psychologist and victims present as well as any witnesses.
The Parole Board will write with their decision and the hearing and full decision will be kept private.
In the UK, prisoners are able to apply for parole if they have a fixed-term sentence. The government will apply for prisoners if they are given a life sentence.
The Parole Board will then decide whether an inmate is entitled to a hearing.
If a prisoner gets parole they will be kept under supervision, known as being “on licence” or probation.
Each case will be reviewed again within two years if parole is not granted.
Should a prisoner not comply with conditions on the parole certificate, a warrant is issued for their arrest.
In the United States, courts may specify in a sentence how much time must be served before a prisoner is eligible for parole.
In most states, the decision of whether an inmate is paroled is vested in a paroling authority, such as a parole board.
Before being granted the privilege of parole, the inmate meets with members of the parole board and is interviewed.
A number of states have abolished discretionary parole, including Florida, New York, Mississippi and California.
Many states now permit sentences of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Who makes up the parole board?
There may be a solicitor, prison psychologist and victims present as well as any witnesses.
The Parole Board will write with their decision and the hearing and full decision will be kept private.
How long does it take for a decision to be made?
It can take around six months for the whole process to be dealt with and for the parole board to make a decision.
Once a decision has been made the prisoner will usually be told within a few days.
The prisoner should receive the decision in writing along with the reasons for it.
If parole is refused, sometimes called a ‘knock back’, then the prisoner should speak to their solicitor to see if there are any grounds in the refusal that can be challenged. If it is not possible to challenge the decision then the prisoner will usually have to wait a year before they can apply again.