1) Research the latest statistics on probation and parole in the U.S. In a narrative format of 500 or more words, outline parole and probation in the United States. Cite relevant changes, trends and other information to give an accurate overview of the current situation.
2) Give an overview of your state’s current status in probation and parole.(Tennessee) 350 words
3) Give an adjoining state’s overview for comparison.350 words
4) If you were sitting on the President’s council for probation and parole reform, what four (4) recommendations would you make to increase the success of probation and parole in the United States? Give your rational for each recommendation. 350 words
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The United States continues to lead the world in incarceration. According to Kaeble (2020), “An estimated 3,890,400 adults were under community supervision at yearend 2020, which was a 6.6% decline from the 4,167,100 who were supervised in the community on January 1, 2020” (p.1). He claimed that this decline was caused by “a reduction in people on probation, who made up the majority (79%) of the community supervision population” (p.1). Kaeble (2020) also said that “in 2020, the number of people on probation decreased from 3,330,200 to 3,053,700 (down 8.3%), the largest annual decline since the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) began the probation collection in 1980” (p.1). This is because “the number of adults on parole increased 1.3% during 2020, from 851,000 on January 1, 2020, to 862,100 at yearend. Among all adult U.S. residents, 1 in 66 was supervised in the community at yearend 2020” (Kaeble,2020, p.1). Kaeble (2020) also stated, “During 2020, the probation population decreased in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. federal system. During 2020, probation agencies changed policies and procedures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Patterns in the number of adults on probation from January 1 to December 31, 2020, differed by jurisdiction, but most states experienced a decline in adults on probation.
The probation population decreased in 42 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. federal system during 2020, for a total decline of 289,900 adults under probation supervision (table 2). The 44 jurisdictions with decreases in 2020 make up over 90% of the total probation population. Texas, Florida, New Jersey, Ohio, and Michigan comprised the largest portion of the decline in the probation population, with a collective decrease of 117,700 adults on probation. These states had 31% of the total probation population and made up 41% of the total decline in 2020. During 2020, the parole population increased in 30 states. From January 1 to December 31, 2020, the parole population decreased in 19 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. federal system’s term of supervised release and increased in 30 states (table 3). Adults under parole supervision in the United States increased by 11,100 in 2020. The 30 jurisdictions with parole population increases in 2020 supervise 61% of the total parole population. Pennsylvania, California, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas comprised the largest portion of the increase in the parole population. These states collectively accounted for 57% of the total increase in parole supervision during 2020” (P.3). Thus, the rate of incarceration in the U.S. is still the highest in the world.
The state I have chosen is Tennessee. According to Porter (2020), “Tennessee is among several states where nearly 10% of the people serving a life sentence were under 18 at the time of their crime” (p.1). He also claimed that Tennessee’s “supreme court ruling impacts all persons under 18 at the time of their offense and sentenced to mandatory life and de facto life sentences” (p.1). The person sentenced should receive individualized parole hearings after serving a minimum of 25 years. Tennessee had a high rate of probation and parole supervision, with over 110,000 individuals on probation and over 30,000 on parole in the state. Coleman (2019) states that the Tennessee Department of Correction oversees the state’s probation and parole services. They use a risk assessment tool to determine the level of supervision required for each individual. In addition, the state has implemented several programs to reduce recidivism, including drug treatment courts, veterans’ courts, and reentry initiatives for individuals returning to the community from prison. Thus, the state current status in probation and parole of Tennessee is that there is very high rate of incarceration.
The state I have chosen is Kentucky. Kentucky state has different laws from Tennessee regarding probation and parole. According to Porter (2020), “Kentucky officials adopted Senate Bill 90, which authorizes the establishment of pilot behavioral health conditional dismissal programs in at least 10 Kentucky counties selected by the Kentucky Supreme Court chief justice for persons charged with certain low-level drug offenses” (p.1). He also claimed that “the measure allows someone charged with certain non-violent crimes determined to have a mental health or substance use disorder to have their case put on hold and go into treatment instead, under certain conditions” (p.1). The pilot program would include access to services like outpatient treatment, cognitive and behavioral therapies, educational and vocational services, and housing assistance. Thus, the main difference between Kentucky and Tennessee is the specific terms and conditions of probation and parole and the length of time that an individual may be placed on probation or parole.
Probation and parole play a critical role in the United States criminal justice system by providing alternatives to incarceration and helping individuals successfully reintegrate into society. However, the current system needs reform to increase its effectiveness. According to Clear et al. (2018), as a member of the President’s Council for probation and parole reform, I would recommend the following four strategies to improve the success of probation and parole:
One of the biggest challenges facing the probation and parole system is a lack of access to effective rehabilitation and reentry programs. To address this, I would recommend increasing funding for evidence-based programs that have been shown to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for individuals on probation and parole. This could include cognitive-behavioral therapy, substance abuse treatment, and job training.
Another critical strategy for improving the success of probation and parole is to use risk and needs assessments to identify individuals at high risk of reoffending and target services and interventions. This approach has been shown to effectively reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for individuals on probation and parole.
Technology has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the probation and parole system. For example, using GPS monitoring can help ensure that individuals on probation or parole adhere to their release conditions. At the same time, telehealth services can improve access to healthcare for individuals on probation and parole.
Finally, I would recommend increasing collaboration between the various agencies involved in the probation and parole system, including probation and parole departments, courts, and social service agencies. This can help ensure that individuals on probation and parole receive the services and support they need to reintegrate into society successfully.
In conclusion, this paper has discussed the latest statistics on probation and parole in the U.S. I have also given an overview of Tennessee state’s current status in probation and parole. I have also provided an adjoining state’s (Kentucky) overview for comparison. I have also stated the recommendations to make to increase the success of probation and parole in the United States: increasing funding for evidence-based programs, implementing risk and needs assessments, expanding the use of technology, and increasing collaboration between agencies. Probation and parole provide opportunities for offenders to receive treatment, education, and job training, which can reduce recidivism and help them reintegrate into society. Policymakers and criminal justice professionals need to address these issues and continue exploring ways to improve probation and parole effectiveness.
Kaeble, D. (2021). Probation and parole in the United States, 2020. Bureau of Justice Statistics, December.
Porter, N. D. (2020). Top trends in criminal justice reform. The Sentencing Project.
Coleman, C. (2019). Criminal Justice Reform in Tennessee.
Clear, T. R., Reisig, M. D., & Cole, G. F. (2018). American corrections. Cengage learning.