Developing an evidence-based, individualized strategy for supervision in the community prior to an individual's release is critical to promoting public safety and reducing the likelihood that the individual will return to prison or jail. The process of developing the supervision strategy should begin as soon as possible following the decision to release, in jurisdictions in which release is discretionary, or from three months to a year prior to anticipated release. (See Policy Statement 17, Advising the Releasing Authority, and Policy Statement 18, Release Decision.) This policy statement describes the elements that should characterize supervision strategy planning, from the composition of the team that should be charged with the development of the supervision strategy, to the involvement of public safety officers in the community, to the manner in which the established strategy should be communicated to the individual who will be supervised. While the development of the supervision strategy should be completed prior to release, members of the team should retain some input and accountability during the supervision period, during which the strategy should be re-assessed and modified as necessary. (See Policy Statement 26, Implementation of the Supervision Strategy, for more on the post-release period.)

Recommendations:

1.

Only 45 percent of parolees successfully complete their supervision term.

A.

Engage community members, including representatives from community corrections, law enforcement, and community-based organizations, to serve on a transition team with corrections staff, and charge the team with the development of a comprehensive super

B.

Apply the information from risk- and needs-assessment instruments administered prior to the release decision, and re-assess inmates if necessary to determine appropriate supervision strategies.

2.

Little is known about the relationship between parole supervision and deterrence; however, the most effective supervision strategies include a mix of surveillance and treatment.

C.

Assign a supervision officer to each individual well before the date of his or her release and engage the officer on the transition planning team.

3.

Validated assessments indicate the specific needs and services required for an individual to increase the likelihood of a successful return to the community from prison or jail.

4.

Conditions of supervision will be most effective if they are clearly communicated to and agreed upon by parolees and probationers.

D.

Seek information from, and promote cooperation with, law enforcement in the jurisdiction to which an individual will return before his or her release.

E.

Transfer state prison inmates as the release date approaches (and as appropriate and feasible) to correctional facilities nearest to the community to which the individual will return.

F.

Provide each individual before release with a written copy of his or her terms and conditions of release and transition plan and explain them clearly, ensuring that he or she understands them.