NCJ Number
29765
Date Published
1974
Length
257 pages
Annotation
THE AUSTRALIAN PAROLE SYSTEM IS CRITICALLY EXAMINED IN THIS STUDY: POLITICS, THE DISPARITY BETWEEN THE PAROLE LAWS OF THE STATES, AND THE FAILURE TO REAPPRAISE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SYSTEM ARE DISCUSSED.
Abstract
POLITICAL INFLUENCES DEVELOP FROM THE BUREAUCRATIC NATURE OF THE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE AND ITS DESIRE FOR SELF-PRESERVATION WHEN WHAT IS NEEDED IS A CRITICAL REAPPRAISAL OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PAROLE AS AN INSTITUTION. THE COURTS AND PAROLE BOARDS THAT SUBMIT BUDGET REQUESTS ARE MORE CONCERNED WITH STOPGAP MEASURES. THERE IS ALSO AN ALLEGED UNAVAILABILITY OF PUBLIC RECORDS ON THE PAROLE SERVICES - ONE STATE'S ANNUAL REPORT DID NOT REVEAL THE NUMBER OF PRISONERS ON PAROLE. OTHER CRITICISMS REFER TO THE VOLUNTARY NATURE OF PAROLE AND THE LOW OCCUPATIONAL STATUS OF PAROLE OFFICERS IN AUSTRALIA.