University of Wisconsin Whitewater SOC of Punishment and Crime Paper
This week’s topic focuses on parole and reintegration into society. It’s been established that incarceration has a negative effect on individuals, long-term periods of time. We also know that individuals coming out of prison have poor outcomes upon release (they tend to be re-arrested at high rates). With the knowledge that society can’t merely keep everyone in prison forever, we are faced with the reality that assisting parolees upon release from prison is one of only a few ways we can hope to reduce recidivism.
This week I have an exercise that focuses on which individuals should be released from prison AND under what conditions they should be released. Release plans or conditions of parole (see pp. 453-455 of course text) focus on the risk and needs individuals present upon release from prison. For example, we have to focus on those things that ensure community safety, like curfews, GPS bracelets, reporting conditions, etc. We also have to address the needs offenders have upon release such as drug/education classes, mental health counseling, etc. Last, we should be cognizant to the extent possible regarding the environment individuals are moving back into upon release. For example, we should be concerned if individuals were sent to prison as a result of their associations with other known felons, individuals who are deemed to have a negative association on them (individuals who tend to get them into trouble), as well as the neighborhoods they move into. ALL OF THESE should be factors considered when developing a plan for release.
ASSIGNMENT:
You are a parole agent at Dodge Correctional Prison and have received the following email from your supervisor:
From: Eddie Van Halen, Parole Supervisor
RE: Roger Rabite Parole Release Plan
Hope you are well. Roger Rabite will be released in early May and needs a Parole Release Plan. Rabite was sentenced to 36 months prison for Possession of Drugs, Selling of drugs, and an older probation case (Attempted Assault on Governmental Employee). The probation case was pretty tame, as he reportedly pushed his case manager. Click HERE 
downloadto view the offense report for the cases in which he was sent to prison, his sentence sheet. a data sheet that will give you information on him, and his criminal history. Rabite hasn’t caused any problems while incarcerated and completed a drug education class. Once you’ve developed a release plan for him, complete “Rabite Parole Release Plan” Quiz, which basically asks you to fill out the release plan for him. The Parole Release Plan is due no later than Sunday, May 2 (11:59 pm). I know this is your first week so I’m also sending along a recent Parole Release Plan (Click HERE download) for you to review. It should help you out. Also, feel free to post questions to the “Roger Rabite Questions” Discussion Post (note: it ends Sat night).
