NCJ Number
78747
Date Published
1979
Length
105 pages
Annotation
This report examines parole, the use of minimum security accommodations for prisoners, and prison leave programs in Western Australia and suggests changes in these policies to provide improved safeguards for the public.
Abstract
Following an overview of the parole system in Western Australia, growing public concern over the parole of dangerous prisoners with few prospects for rehabilitation is discussed. Provisions of the Western Australia Offenders Probation and Parole Act which introduced parole in 1963 are described, as are laws governing paroles for prisoners given indeterminate sentences, life sentences, and acquitted on the grounds of insanity. Regulations concerning remissions for good conduct and breach of parole are also covered. An assessment of the parole system's administration considers the Parole Board's composition, quality of presentence reports, and manpower shortages. A review of trends of change within the Department of Corrections criticizes the increasing use of medium and minimum security accommodations as part of a general movement to improve prison living conditions. Findings indicate that since 85 percent of all escapes that occurred from within prison boundaries were from minimum security facilities, the Department of Corrections should reassess its criteria and reduce the proportions of male prisoners held in these prisons. Leave programs established by 1969 amendments are also described and their effectiveness is evaluated. The Department of Corrections has broadly interpreted these regulations by granting work release early in some prisoners' sentences and allowing inmates on work release to stay with family or friends over weekends. Leaves for educational programs and family crises have also been granted. The report suggests that such policies should be reviewed and power to grant leave be limited so that prison authorities cannot substantially change the nature of a sentence. Reforms for individual leave programs and revised methods of selecting prisoners for these privileges are outlined. A summary of the study's principal conclusions and recommendations is appended.