NCJ Number
52329
Journal
Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: (JULY 1978) Pages: 101-105
Date Published
1978
Length
5 pages
Annotation
ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE PAROLE SYSTEM ARE DISCUSSED, WITH A VIEW TO ESTABLISHING SUCH A SYSTEM IN INDIA.
Abstract
IN INDIA, PAROLE REFERS TO THE TEMPORARY RELEASE OF AN INMATE FOR SPECIFIED PURPOSES. USUALLY RELEASE IS FOR 15 DAYS, AND NO SUPERVISION IS INVOLVED. CHARACTERISTICS COMMON TO PAROLE SYSTEMS IN WESTERN COUNTRIES ARE DISCUSSED, WITH SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE PURPOSES OF PAROLE, PAROLE CONDITIONS, PAROLE BOARD DISCRETION, AND THE PROCESS OF PREPARING OFFENDERS FOR PAROLE. FACTORS IN PAROLEES' SUCCESS OR FAILURE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF ADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF PAROLEES ARE NOTED. CONDITIONS GENERALLY IMPOSED ON PAROLEES IN INDIA ARE ENUMERATED. SUGGESTIONS FOR CHANGING AND EXPANDING THE EXISTING SYSTEM ARE OFFERED, INCLUDING STANDARDIZATION OF THE DEFINTION OF PAROLE AND REMOVAL OF LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE RESTRICTIONS THAT ARE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE CONCEPT OF PAROLE. IT IS ALSO SUGGESTED THAT INMATES BEING CONSIDERED FOR PAROLE BE PLACED ON TEMPORARY LEAVE SO THEIR BEHAVIOR PATTERNS CAN BE OBSERVED, AND THAT OFFENDERS TAKE PART IN THE DETERMINATION OF PAROLE CONDITIONS TAILORED TO MEET THEIR NEEDS AND CIRCUMSTANCES. IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PRISON'S REHABILITATIVE REGIMEN ARE URGED, AS IS THE RESTRUCTURING OF THE PAROLE BOARD TO MAKE PAROLE SELECTION LESS SUBJECTIVE. TO PROVIDE POSITIVE INCENTIVES FOR REHABILITATION, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT PRISONERS BE INFORMED OF THE FACTORS CONSIDERED IN PAROLE SELECTION. OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE MAINTAINING CONTACTS BETWEEN PRISONERS AND THEIR FAMILIES, HIRING MORE SPECIALLY TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS FOR THE PRISONS, AND EDUCATING THE PUBLIC AS TO THE VALUE OF PAROLE. (LKM)