NCJ Number
76864
Date Published
1980
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This paper refutes the common public view that the National Parole Board of Canada is lenient toward violent offenders and finds that the Parole Board has been very cautious in granting parole.
Abstract
Prison sentences in Canada can be thought of as having three sections of approximately equal portions. Remission (time off for good behavior) usually represents the last third of an inmate's sentence. Those under remission must serve that time under the mandatory supervision of the parole board. Full parole can be granted to most inmates after they have served one-third of their sentences or 7 years, whichever is shorter. Day parole and temporary absence for studies, training, employment, or medical reasons may be granted near the halfway mark in the eligibility period for full parole. Examination of Parole Board statistics from 1975-79 shows that 134 murderers were released on parole during that time. Those released had on the average served more than 9 years. Their success rate on parole seems comparable to that of other parolees. When they committed new offenses, the crimes tended to be nonviolent. In 1975, 67 percent of parolees successfully completed parole. By 1978, the success rate was 75 percent for those on normal parole and 62 percent for those on mandatory supervision. It would seem that not only has the parole board not been releasing dangerous offenders in an excessively casual manner, but it has been very cautious in doing so. Four footnotes and two citations are included. Ten tables of parole statistics are appended. For reports, see NCJ 76862-3 and 76865.