NCJ Number
185646
Date Published
2000
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This report focuses on inmates eligible to be evaluated for a Certificate of Earned Eligibility in New York State between April and September 1999 prior to their initial parole hearing.
Abstract
There were 10,159 initial hearings during the 6-month period involving inmates who had been evaluated for a Certificate of Earned Eligibility. Of the 10,159 hearings involving eligible inmates, 7,099 or 70 percent were issued certificates prior to their initial parole board, 1,919 or 19 percent were denied certificates, and 1,141 or 11 percent were determined to be non-certifiable for earned eligibility at the time of review, primarily due to insufficient time in programs. Inmates who were issued certificates were substantially more likely to be granted parole than those denied certificates or those granted non-certifiable status. During the 6-month period, 59 percent of inmates issued certificates were approved for release to parole supervision, compared to 21 percent of those denied certificates and 41 percent of those granted non-certifiable status. The highest release rates were for drug offenders and youthful offenders who were issued certificates. The lowest release rates were for other coercive offenders and violent offenders who were denied certificates. There were 1,230 merit releases to parole supervision and 1,865 merit hearings during the 6-month period. Cost savings of the earned eligibility program were substantial. 7 tables