Parole Decision-Making and Empirical Practice: A Survey of Paroling Authorities

Abstract

Paroling authorities should have a clear understanding of the empirical support for factors considered in suitability determinations. We presented a survey to paroling authorities across the United States and Canada to examine their purview and information considered in decision-making. We situated the findings among existing empirical research suggesting best practices for consideration of specific factors in parole decision-making. Paroling authorities claim to give equal consideration to all information available, regardless of its empirical relation to suitability for release. Probed further, they display a good understanding of the empirical support for and the weight to be applied to each factor.