Is Something Better Than Nothing? The Effect Of Forcing Inmates Onto Short Terms Of Parole Supervision

• In Event: Implications of Statewide Policies for Correctional Populations

Abstract

This presentation reports the findings of a quasi-experimental evaluation of a mandatory early parole program. New Jersey’s Statutory Early Release (SER) law required that all inmates, with few exceptions, be released onto parole six months before the expiration of their sentence. SER participants (n = 405) were matched using propensity scores to two groups of similar offenders who left prison in the year prior to the implementation of the SER statute. Comparison groups include former inmates that were released either unconditionally (n=4,507) or onto standard parole (n=5,657). At the conclusion of the matching routines, 395 SER-parolee pairs and 394 SER-unconditional release pairs were identified. Outcome measures, including comparisons of rearrest and reconviction rates, are reported pre- and post-matching, and at 6, 12, and 18 month intervals. Individuals enrolled in the SER program demonstrated significantly reduced arrest rates during the SER supervision period when compared to unconditionally released offenders, though differences do not persist past 6 months. Offending rates for both SER participants and matched parolees were generally similar, with some significant variation in arrest rates emerging after 12 months.

Authors

• Michael Ostermann, Rutgers University

• Jordan Hyatt, University of Pennsylvania / Rutgers University