Parole Key Findings:
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Of the 71,027 parole-eligible inmates reviewed by TBPP in 2005, 19,582 were released, representing 27.5% of total applicants. This rate is 12.5% lower than the level recommended by TBPP’s own guidelines.[i]
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In 2005, TBPP released 24% fewer Level 7 offenders (who are the lowest risk, non-violent offenders) and 10% fewer Level 6 offenders (also non-violent offenders) than minimum guideline levels. Following the guidelines would have resulted in a net gain of 2,252 available prison beds.[ii]
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Granted parole rates vary greatly between the 6 state parole boards. In Gatesville, Level 7 inmates were 1/3 less likely to be released on parole than in Palestine, while in San Antonio, Level 1 inmates were nearly 30 times more likely to be released than in Palestine.[ii]
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TBPP has the authority to grant parolees early release if they meet certain criteria and serve half their parole term. Currently, 5,812 offenders are eligible for early release, but TBPP has not granted a single one.[i]
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Problems with re-entry and treatment programs bottleneck parole releases: waiting lists for TDCJ’s rehabilitation programs each extend 6 months or longer,i while 462 inmates currently approved for release are still incarcerated solely because they cannot secure an address.[ii]
[i] Sunset Advisory Commission. Texas Department of Criminal Justice Board of Pardons and Paroles, Correctional Managed Health Care Committee: Sunset Staff Report. October 2006.
[ii] Levin, Marc. The Role of Parole in Solving the Texas Prison Crowding Crisis. Texas Public Policy Foundation. November 21, 2006 .