Policy Statement 18, Recommendation F
Ensure that a procedure exists to modify and revise, as appropriate, the conditions of release, including the possibility for early discharge from the authority of the court or supervising administrative agency.
Both the releasee and the community are subject to change over time, and the conditions of supervision applied to the individual should be adaptable to those changes. Adaptability is especially important in states where people may remain under supervision for many years after release. A mechanism should always be available to modify, revise, or restructure the conditions of release-to make them more stringent, or more relaxed-as new issues arise or old issues are resolved.
Example: Risk Management Teams, Washington Department of Corrections
In Washington, the sentencing judge sets the conditions of an offender's release, which can be supplemented but not overturned by the Department of Corrections. Risk Management Teams-groups of criminal justice and noncriminal justice professionals hired by the Department of Corrections-collaborate with community corrections officers to review the conditions of release imposed by the court and oversee the supervision process. Community corrections officers incorporate the release recommendations of the Risk Management Team into an Offender Accountability Plan (OAP), which is presented to the individual prior to or at the time of release. Community corrections officers have the authority to modify the OAP as necessary during the period of community supervision. The Department of Corrections encourages community corrections officers to reconvene the Risk Management Team to discuss any modifications to the OAP and to ensure that community partners such as employers, family members, and victims are notified of any changes to the OAP that may impact them.
The individual should be advised that modifications may be made to the terms and conditions of his or her release, so that he or she understands the benefits and consequences of adhering (or failing to adhere) to the plan. Given the overwhelming evidence that positive reinforcements can reduce recidivism, releasing authorities and community corrections officers should be especially clear at the outset that eligible probationers and parolees will be considered for early termination of supervision. (See Policy Statement 26, Implementing Supervision Strategy, for more on modifying conditions of release.)