Who Makes The Release Decision When An Offender Is Sentenced To Shock Parole?

When an offender is sentenced to shock parole, there are many questions that arise, including who makes the release decision. Shock parole is a program that allows offenders to serve a portion of their sentence in a secure facility, followed by a period of supervision in the community. This program is designed to help offenders re-enter society successfully and reduce the risk of recidivism. However, the decision to release an offender from shock parole is not made lightly and involves a number of different parties.

What is Shock Parole?

Before we dive into who makes the release decision when an offender is sentenced to shock parole, let’s first define what shock parole is. Shock parole is a program that allows offenders to serve a portion of their sentence in a secure facility, followed by a period of supervision in the community. The goal of shock parole is to provide offenders with intensive programming and support to help them successfully re-enter society after their release.

Who is Eligible for Shock Parole?

Not all offenders are eligible for shock parole. In most cases, shock parole is reserved for offenders who have committed non-violent crimes and who have a low risk of re-offending. Eligibility requirements vary by state, but typically include factors such as the offender’s criminal history, the severity of the crime, and the offender’s behavior while incarcerated.

How is the Release Decision Made?

The decision to release an offender from shock parole is made by a number of different parties. These parties include the parole board, the offender’s supervising officer, and the offender’s treatment team.

The Parole Board

The parole board is responsible for making the final decision on whether an offender is released from shock parole. The parole board is made up of a group of individuals who are appointed by the governor and who are responsible for reviewing each offender’s case and determining whether they are ready to be released into the community.

The Supervising Officer

The supervising officer is the individual who is responsible for monitoring the offender’s behavior and progress while they are on shock parole. The supervising officer works closely with the offender to help them successfully re-enter society and reduce the risk of recidivism. The supervising officer also provides regular reports to the parole board regarding the offender’s progress.

The Treatment Team

The treatment team is responsible for providing the offender with the necessary programming and support to help them successfully re-enter society. The treatment team includes a number of different professionals, such as counselors, therapists, and job coaches. The treatment team works closely with the offender to develop a comprehensive plan for their re-entry into society and provides regular updates to the supervising officer and the parole board.

Factors Considered When Making the Release Decision

When making the release decision, the parole board considers a number of different factors. These factors include the offender’s behavior while in the secure facility, their participation in programming and treatment, their behavior while on shock parole, and their overall risk of recidivism.

Behavior While in the Secure Facility

One of the most important factors that the parole board considers when making the release decision is the offender’s behavior while in the secure facility. Offenders who exhibit good behavior while in the secure facility are more likely to be released from shock parole early.

Participation in Programming and Treatment

The parole board also considers the offender’s participation in programming and treatment. Offenders who actively participate in programming and treatment are more likely to be successful when they are released into the community.

Behavior While on Shock Parole

The parole board closely monitors the offender’s behavior while on shock parole. Offenders who exhibit good behavior while on shock parole are more likely to be successful when they are released into the community.

Overall Risk of Recidivism

The parole board also considers the offender’s overall risk of recidivism. This includes factors such as the offender’s criminal history, their behavior while incarcerated, and any underlying issues that may contribute to their risk of re-offending.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, when an offender is sentenced to shock parole, the decision to release them into the community is not made lightly. The decision involves a number of different parties, including the parole board, the supervising officer, and the treatment team. When making the release decision, the parole board considers a number of different factors, including the offender’s behavior while in the secure facility, their participation in programming and treatment, their behavior while on shock parole, and their overall risk of recidivism. By carefully considering these factors, the parole board can make an informed decision that helps reduce the risk of recidivism and promotes successful re-entry into society.