Introduction To Corrections Ch 10

Chapter 10 Video Case: Federal Inmates Release Discussion Questions

1. What are some issues parolees face once they are released from prison? How can the prison assist in the transition back to the community? Should the prison be responsible for assisting parolees? Why or why not?

2. Should prisoners who have been convicted of crimes related to hard drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, be eligible for early parole along with those convicted of recreational drugs such as marijuana? Why or why not? What about prescription drugs? Should there be different rules regarding the monitoring of parolees depending on the type of drug? Why or why not?

Chapter 10 You Decide Part II - Justify Your Choices: Revocation of Parole

1. The central issues in Revocation of Parole involve the parole revocation process and the discretionary power parole officers have to decide whether to report violations. In addition, the issues of whether evidence-based systems can help parole officers develop protocols for their decisions, and if there exists a scientific way to assess the risk level of their clients, are also examined. These issues all tie into the problems of increasingly high levels of parole revocation, and its impact on an already overcrowded prison system. Explain your choices in this scenario by addressing the following questions:

Do you think parole officers should focus on reporting violations, or should there be more flexibility given to a parolee who violates the conditions of his or her parole for the first time, and why? Why does it matter if the violation is technical or criminal?

2. What are some existing parole programs that can benefit offenders before, during and after their reentry into the community? Describe with examples.