EFFICIENT, JUST AND CREDIBLE PAROLE SYSTEM

• NCJ Number: 49876
• Journal: British Journal of Criminology Volume: 15 Issue: 3 Dated: (JULY 1975) Pages: 284-288
• Author(s): K HAWKINS
• Date Published: 1975
• Length: 5 pages
• Corporate Author: Stevens and Sons; Institute for the Study and Treatment of Delinquency
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: THE HUGESSEN REPORT - REPORT TO THE SOLICITOR GENERAL OF CANADA BY THE TASK FORCE ON THE RELEASE OF INMATES

Annotation

TASK FORCE CRITICISMS OF THE CANADIAN PAROLE SYSTEM AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RESTRUCTURING THE SYSTEM ARE REVIEWED, WITH REFERENCE TO RELATED DEVELOPMENTS IN THE UNITED STATES.

Abstract

THE TASK FORCE REPORTS THAT THE CANADIAN NATIONAL PAROLE BOARD IS TOO CENTRALIZED, THE BOARD'S DECISIONMAKING PROCESS IS TOO TIME CONSUMING, THE BOARD HAS POOR PUBLIC RELATIONS AND DOES NOT WORK WELL WITH THE POLICE AND OTHER RELEVANT AGENCIES, AND CRITERIA AND PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE PAROLE DECISIONMAKING ARE LACKING. THE TASK FORCE REPORT RECOMMENDS A TWO-TIERED STRUCTURE OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL PAROLE BOARDS AND SETS FORTH LISTS OF SPECIFIC PAROLE CRITERIA TO GUIDE DISCRETION. THE INTRODUCTION OF PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS INTO PAROLE SELECTION IS URGED, INCLUDING THE DISCLOSURE OF PAROLE BOARD FILES TO PRISONERS BEFORE HEARINGS. THE TASK FORCE ALSO ADVOCATES A VARIETY OF SAFEGUARDS FOR REVOCATION PROCEDURES AND URGES THE STRENGTHENING OF PAROLE SURVEILLANCE AND CONTROL EFFORTS, PARTICULARLY ON THE PART OF POLICE. THE CANADIAN TASK FORCE REPORT REFLECTS A CONCERN FOR GREATER ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATION OF PAROLE, A SENSITIVITY TO RESEARCH FINDINGS, AND A STRONG COMMITMENT TO OPENNESS AND DUE PROCESS IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE SYSTEM. THE CANADIAN DESIRE TO SEE AN INCREASE IN THE USE OF PAROLE CONTRASTS WITH THE ARGUMENT FOR LESS PAROLE BOARD DISCRETION AND LESS USE OF PAROLE, WHICH APPEARS TO BE GAINING GROUND IN THE UNITED STATES. (LKM)