NCJ Number
80623
Date Published
1981
Length
85 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings of an analysis of the mandatory supervision (MS) program in Canada. The MS program was intended to provide at least the same degree of control and assistance to offenders being released as a result of remission as to those released on parole.
Abstract
The report presents a discussion of the history and objectives of MS, describes the consultation process used by the Commission to analyze the program, reviews evaluators' concerns about the MS program, and suggests models and options for modifying MS. The major cause of public and official concern with MS is the nature and number of the offenses committed by inmates while on MS. Although the Committee believes that the MS program is sound in principle, the public still deserves to be protected from offenders while they are under sentence. However, the Commission does not favor keeping all inmates in prison until the end of their sentences as this policy would be costly and impractical. It favors the continuation of mandatory release and supervision for all nonparoled offenders, except for those offenders who have had their MS revoked. The National Parole Board (NPB) should set up a formal process to identify and 'flag' high risk offenders who may be physically dangerous when released on MS. A structured release (i.e., 1-day parole) under intensive supervision would be granted to these inmates for the last 4 months prior to the MS date. The Commission also suggested methods of modifying the 'revolving door syndrome,' whereby offenders become due for mandatory release shortly after returning to prison because of MS revocation. Tables and a few footnotes and graphs are supplied. Appendixes include supporting data and discussion, consultation materials, and 20 references. (Author summary modified)