Every year hundreds of thousands of men and women trade in their prison blues for civilian threads. But many still wear virtual chains, living on parole.
The system of rewarding model prisoners with early, conditional release began in Massachusetts 165 years ago, and by the 1940's all states had parole boards in place. But now, many states are scrapping the system, resorting to determinate sentencing, and keeping people behind bars.
Facing anemic state budgets and increasing numbers of prisoners out on parole, these boards no longer have the resources to keep their eyes on ex-cons. And the last thing any parole officer wants is to be the person in charge of the next Willie Horton.
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John J. Larivee, chief executive officer, Community Resources for Justice
Carl Wickland executive director, American Probation and Parole Officers
Association
Mark Graham, senior case manager, Exodus Transitional Community in New York City
Jennifer Gonnerman, staff writer for the Village Voice
