Organizations

NYS Parole Reform Campaign

Works towards changing unfair and unjust parole policies. They are composed of individuals and organizations working together to pass the S.A.F.E. parole act. Their campaign is listed under the Thousand Kites organization, a national dialogue project addressing the U.S. criminal justice system.

Coalition for Parole Restoration (CPR)

Mission Statement: CPR was created to inform, organize and bring to light all aspects of the prison industrial complex as it affects our communities, families and people in prison. Our mission is two-fold: to assist people in prison in obtaining parole release and to assist formerly incarcerated persons and their families with transition and re-entry. CPR is committed to providing support and assistance to people in prisons, their families and loved ones and formerly incarcerated people in dealing with prison issues and policies.

 Publications

New York State Parole Handbook

Published in November 201o, the NYS Parole Handbook provides comprehensive answers to common questions and issues concerning parole release and supervision.

Articles

State tells Parole Officers to Surrender Guns

Author: Brendan Lyons

Source: Times Union

Published: February 24,2012

Excerpt: More than 130 parole officers who work in state prisons are being stripped of their police powers under a reorganization the officers said may be pushing high-risk inmates back on the streets with less supervision. Correctional officials said the program is working, and the reorganization is intended to make the system run “smarter and more efficiently” and is part of their effort to streamline the newly merged prison and parole agencies.

Despite headlines, parolees are doing better

By: Robert Gavin

Date: January 5, 2011

Source: Times Union, Section B pg 3

About: The percentage of parolees returning to prison for new crimes is at a record low.

Legislation

S 103-2011: Alters the composition of the state board of Parole

Sponsor: Senator Montgomery

PURPOSE:
To distribute the appointing authority of the state board of parole
among the Governor, Senate and Assembly. On and after January 1,2012
the Parole Board shall consist of 19 members. Of such members nine
shall be appointed by the governor, three shall be appointed upon
recommendation of the temporary president of the senate, three shall
be appointed upon the recommendation of the speaker of the assembly,
two shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the minority leader
of the senate and two shall be appointed upon the recommendation of
the minority leader of the assembly.