NCJ Number
81232
Date Published
1980
Length
35 pages
Annotation
Information and data are provided on the organization and activities of the U.S. Parole Commission for October 1, 1978, to September 30, 1980.
Abstract
Overall, the report period involved substantial testing and evaluation as the Commission has worked to improve the regulations and procedures required to implement its mandate under the Parole Commission and Reorganization Act, which became effective May 14, 1976. Following a brief description of the Commission's organization, the primary provisions of the Parole Commission and Reorganization Act are described. The responsibilities of the Commission are described, and the use of decisionmaking guidelines is discussed. Grounds for appeal of a Commission decision are listed. Issues in the revision of paroling policy guidelines are considered. The revision was done because (1) there were certain listed offenses requiring more specific definitions; (2) there were offense behavior examples to be added to the table, because the Commission was encountering such cases more frequently; and (3) changes in Commission policy required modifications of policy guidelines. The development of guidelines for decisions to rescind, retard, or advance parole is described, and presumptive parole procedures are indicated. Legal issues recently raised about the Commission's work are considered, and research publications issued during the reporting period are listed. Tabular data display the highlights of the Commission workload and decision trends during the reporting period. Biographical information is provided on the nine commissioners.