The Facts About Parole
The Facts About Parole… (Slide 1)
Wondering what parole is and how it works?
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What is parole? (Slide 2)
Parole is a type of conditional release.
It contributes to public safety by allowing some offenders to serve part of their sentence in the community.
The Parole Board of Canada makes parole decisions under the authority of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA)
Why parole? (Slide 3)
Most offenders are serving a fixed length sentence.
This means they will eventually be released back into the community.
Parole helps offenders re-integrate into the community through a gradual, controlled, and supported release with conditions.
Types of parole (Slide 4)
Day Parole – Allows an offender to participate in community-based activities in preparation for full parole or statutory release.
Full parole – Allows an offender to serve part of their sentence in the community under supervision and specific conditions, in preparation for their eventual release into the community.
How are parole decisions made? (Slide 5)
Parole decisions are made by Board members through either a file review (paper) or a hearing (face-to-face).
What information is considered? (Slide 6)
Board members consider all relevant information in making a decision.
This can include information from police, courts, crown attorneys, mental health professionals, correctional authorities, private agencies, and victims.
Public safety is the primary consideration in all conditional release decisions (Slide 7)
Conditions of Release (Slide 8)
All offenders on parole must report to a parole officer and abide by a set of standard conditions.
Conditions (Slide 9)
Standard Conditions –These include obeying the law, not owning or possessing a weapon, and reporting any change in their domestic or financial situation.
Special Conditions –These are imposed where the PBC considers them reasonable and necessary to further manage an offender's risk in the community, such as to abstain from the use of drugs or alcohol.
Common Myths about Parole (Slide 10)
Myth: Most offenders commit new crimes while on parole.
Fact: The vast majority of offenders do not re-offend while on parole; less than 1% re-offend violently while on parole.
Myth: Parole is automatically granted.
Fact: Parole is never guaranteed. By law, public safety is always the primary consideration.
Common Myths about Parole (Slide 11)
Myth: Parole reduces the original sentence imposed by the court.
Fact: Parole allows an offender to serve part of the sentence in the community under supervision. If they fail to comply with any of their conditions of release, they can be returned to prison.
Common Myths about Parole (Slide 12)
Myth: Parole Board hearings take place behind closed doors and its decisions are secret.
Fact: Members of the public can attend hearings, and copies of the Board's decisions are available by request.
For more information on how parole works…(Slide 13)
Check out the following:
- PBC: Contributing to Public Safety (Publication)
- PBC Virtual Tour of a Hearing Room (Multimedia)
- PBC Fact Sheets (Publication)