Examining Predictors of Parole Release in a Rural Female Jail Population

Abstract

Parole has long been a linchpin of correctional practices but few studies have examined discretionary parole release in a female population. The current study examines factors, both static risk and dynamic needs, that influence parole decision making in a rural female jail population. The researchers collected data on parole releases from a rural county jail over a 3-year period beginning in 2012 (N = 138). Offenders obtained a recommendation for parole release from a reentry assessment team that met at the jail each month to evaluate cases for parole eligibility. Logistic regression was used to explain variance in the factors considered by the reentry assessment team and it was evident that both static risk factors and dynamic needs play a role in discretionary parole release. We also examined obstacles or challenges that female offenders face when paroling to a rural location. Several policy recommendation related to the study are addressed.

Keyword:

• discretionary parole
• females
• jail
• reentry
• rural
• static and dynamic risk

Notes

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania defines a county as “rural” when the number of persons per square mile within the county is less than 284. Of the 67 counties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 48 (72%) are considered rural.

Pennsylvania practices indeterminate sentencing.

In an examination of Pennsylvania’s rural county jails, researchers Zajac and Kowalski (2012) determined that 77% of the rural county jail inmates were White.