Examining the Predictors of Parole Release in a Rural Jail Population

Abstract

Parole is the linchpin of correctional practices, but few studies have examined discretionary parole in a rural population. The current study examines static risk and dynamic needs that influence parole decision making in a rural jail population. Data were collected on parole releases over a 3-year period beginning in 2012. Offenders received recommendations for parole from a reentry assessment team. Logistic regression was used to explain variance in the factors influencing discretionary parole release. Obstacles or challenges that offenders face when paroling to a rural location were also examined. Several policy recommendations are addressed.

Parole Decision-Making and Empirical Practice: A Survey of Paroling Authorities

“…An individual's history on community supervision is also an important indicator of their suitability for release as it establishes a pattern of behavior. Prior failure on community supervision predicts parole denial (Bowman & Ely, 2017; Lackenby, 2018). However, failure on supervision may be influenced by other factors such as parole conditions, which is a complicated area of consideration.…”

“…Institutional conduct is considered in release decisions in the United States and elsewhere (Kinnevy & Caplan, 2008; Robina Institute, 2017). This factor significantly predicts release decisions (see Bowman & Ely, 2017; Caplan, 2007; Lackenby, 2018; Mooney & Daffern, 2014; Young et al, 2016). While paroling authorities examine institutional misconduct in their release decision-making, the relationship between such behavior and success on release is unclear.…”

“…Individuals with a history of substance abuse are less likely to be granted parole than individuals without such history (Bowman & Ely, 2017; Lackenby, 2018). A lack of substance use history is a reliable predictor for success on release (DeLisi & Tahja, 2019; Katsiyannis et al, 2018).…”

Transportation Among Returning Citizens: “You Just Want to Stay Down and Get High”

“…According to correctional workers, access to transportation for citizens returning to rural communities is among the top issues they face (Ward & Merlo, 2016; Zajac et al, 2014). The public transportation system is often not a reliable means for returning citizens to get to parole or probation appointments (Ward & Merlo, 2016), with returning citizens residing in rural communities listing transportation as the main barrier to maintaining parole or probation requirements (Bowman & Ely, 2017).…”

“…Lower population density in rural areas often leads to lower ridership for transit routes and a smaller tax base to fund infrastructure (Litman, 2011). With the scarcity of resources available in rural areas, returning citizens must rely on family and social ties for resources such as transportation (Bowman & Ely, 2017). This, compounded with the fact that some released offenders have spent many years away from family (which may have caused some relationships to become estranged), can be a significant barrier to successful reentry (Haney, 2001).…”