Parole Is a Vital Public Safety Tool, But Current Practices Undermine Public Safety and Keeps Families Apart

WASHINGTON, D.C. — FWD.us released a critical new policy brief, “‘They Just Denied Me’:” Parole Stories and Case Studies, and the first of three video stories that expose how the promise of parole is systemically undermined. This project, which includes case studies from Mississippi, Missouri and New York, illustrates how parole systems are operating with few guardrails and little accountability. Parole is supposed to offer a pathway for release, but that opportunity is fleeting as parole boards overemphasize static factors like the crime of conviction over a person's rehabilitation. Through an analysis of parole statutes, administrative rules and regulations, as well as interviews of people who have been granted parole or are awaiting relief, this brief shows that incarcerated people don’t get a fair evaluation or a real chance to make their case for release.

“The stories in this project offer a small glimpse into our broken parole system. Parole is meant to be a critical tool for public safety and second chances, yet current practices are actively blocking incentives for rehabilitation and keeping families apart,” said Felicity Rose, Vice President of Criminal Justice Research and Policy at FWD.us.  

To restore fairness and public trust in parole systems, FWD.us urges states to implement immediate reforms, including:

• Reform Decision-Making Criteria to give primary weight to evidence of change and rehabilitation, rather than the crime of conviction.
• Ensure Meaningful Hearings by requiring in-person hearings, allowing for legal counsel, and diversifying parole boards to include social work or behavioral health professionals.
• Increase Transparency by opening hearings to representatives of the incarcerated person’s choosing, requiring disclosure of information that the parole board relies on, and publicizing its decisions and the reasons for them.

The first video in the series, Parole Stories: Carol & Bill, features Carol and her incarcerated son, Bill, from Mississippi. Their story is emblematic of many families waiting to be reunited with their loved ones. Bill has been incarcerated for 33 years and has a record of good behavior behind bars. Despite completing all the programming available to him, including enrolling in a seminary program, Bill has been denied parole seven times. Bill and Carol’s story illustrates how counterproductive parole practices undermine meaningful review, deny incarcerated people a real opportunity to make their case for release, and impose a heavy toll on families.

“The problems with our parole systems can no longer be ignored,” said Dr. Shaneva D. McReynolds, President of FAMM. “Our criminal justice system does not work without a meaningful opportunity for second chances, which allow our loved ones to return home, return to work, and contribute to their families and communities. We wholeheartedly support parole reforms that prioritize rehabilitation, transparency, and accountability, and believe that parole determinations should take into account all relevant factors while focusing on who a person is now.”

“These stories are a sobering reminder that our parole system is failing to live up to its promise,”  said Michael Mendoza, National Criminal Justice Director, Latino Justice PRLDEF. “For public safety to be truly served, we must move beyond punitive practices that rely on static factors like the original crime, and instead embrace meaningful evaluation that prioritizes rehabilitation and a person’s proven commitment to change. We have to ensure that every individual who has earned a second chance is given a fair opportunity to return home to their families and communities.” 

Videos featuring individuals incarcerated in New York and Missouri will follow.