Does the Parole System Work?

To some people, parole can be a very scary thing. Letting serious, violent criminals out into society doesn't seem right. But because of the so-called justice system and overcrowding in prisons, parole has become an integral part of corrections. The parole board can pardon an offender after serving a number of years, even though they may just say yes or no in releasing someone. Good time is a factor parole boards use in inmate sentencing, which can cause sentencing to be reduced based on the inmate staying out of trouble, taking advantage of certain vocational or educational programs allowed. The decisions of parole boards can be and are hidden in many cases, and there is no defense or advocate for the inmate to oppose it. The prison record is used but many times the record may include subjective information provided by guards or other authorities based on what they thought of the inmate or the inmate's behavior, which could be true or not. Also, the record is closed and the inmate cannot challenge it.

The inmate may challenge the record, however, this is used against them because it is seen as part of the inmates inability or lack of rehabilitation, along with displaying uncooperative behavior. Parole members determine how much time is right for the kind of crime committed, classification of the crime, past record, the extent of repentance or rehabilitation, and the anticipated public reaction. The parole board will usually demand the inmate admit guilt or repentance for the crime and if the inmate doesn't, parole isn't likely granted. Many times parole or not being paroled means having the right attitude, resisting treatment, not obeying rules, and denying guilt, all of which will prevent the inmate from being released or grant them release.

Sometimes parole boards keep inmates longer because they may feel they received too good a deal during sentencing. Many times, the parole boards will look at the likelihood of the inmate to recidivate and if the prisoner has a chance of sustaining a successful or stable life once released into society. Previous criminal records and the severity of the crime are also taken into account also. The parole board is incapable of making accurate predictions about future behavior after release and is unable to make a rational decision, which can result in wrongful continued imprisonment of inmates. Many times parole supervision seems incapable of preventing released prisoners from returning to crime.

Parole can function as an obstacle, which can prevent those who have been labeled a deviant from returning to a normal life. Sometimes parole, due to the system or the former inmate, provides a revolving door that criminals tend to go through within the criminal justice system. However, parole can correct some sentence inequities by allowing prisoners to be released after serving a reasonable length of time. Just like any other man-made system, the parole system within the criminal justice correctional system is not perfect, some inmates are released and continue to commit crimes, while others are released and completely change their lifestyle. The parole board has a huge responsibility in figuring out what inmate should be released and which one shouldn't is very difficult. There should always be a constant focus on improving the system and looking at what works and what doesn't work.