This policy brief examines parole policies and practices in Missouri, Mississippi, and New York – three states that help illustrate some of the factors contributing to the nationwide decline in parole use and provide recommendations for a path forward. . .
Tinsae Gebriel and Marie Ndiaye / FWD.us
Parole is a vital component of a well-functioning criminal justice system that incentivizes good behavior, promotes rehabilitation, and safely reduces prison populations, but its effectiveness heavily depends on how it’s administered. The promise of parole has long been undermined by counter-productive, opaque, and inconsistent practices nationwide — and reality is only getting further from the ideal. Between 2019 and 2022, the number of people released on parole fell by 41% and it’s estimated that over 210,000 people remain in prison past their parole eligibility date.
This policy brief examines parole policies and practices in Missouri, Mississippi, and New York to highlight the systemic barriers to a fair parole process that are contributing to the nationwide decline in parole use. Each state presents a distinct context but reflects common challenges with parole systems nationwide: excessive weight placed on the original crime of conviction, the inability to meaningfully present a case for release to the board, and parole deliberations that lack transparency and public oversight. Together, these practices make parole release exceedingly difficult to achieve and help to explain why so many parole hearings result in denials….