Racial Differences in Probation and Parole Revocations

• In Event: Race, Gangs, and Criminal Justice Policy Potpourri

Abstract

Racial Disparities in arrests and incarceration rates is well known. Most research on imprisonment focuses on overall incarceration rates populations or prison admissions. While the majority of prison admissions are new court commitments, a significant percentage of admissions are the result of parole violations. In Pennsylvania for example, almost 39% of the 17,875 admissions to state correctional facilities in 2011 were for parole violations. Using a sample of approximately 600 probationers and paroles from two counties in Pennsylvania, this research investigates the impact of socio-demographic factors on the revocation decision.

Author

• Thomas Arvanites, Villanova University