THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE GRANTING of parole to two inmates whose earlier convictions gained significance because of the nature of the crimes that they committed, has again drawn attention to the issue of parole. A number of persons have had differing views about parole, including the recommendation that the Parole Act should be reviewed. This, of course, is with the hope that certain categories of offenders will not be able to benefit from this conditional release. In this respect, Prison Fellowship Jamaica has already made its position clear.

We believe that the Parole Act should be amended to ensure that applicants are allowed to attend their parole hearing, a practice carried out in many other jurisdictions. This would afford the Parole Board the opportunity of direct assessment rather than relying only on the submissions of documentary appraisals of third parties. The applicant's attendance to his/her parole hearing would assist him/her to better appreciate the outcome. In the case of a denial, the applicant would be able to handle the disappointment, as well as, if possible, to identify the areas that need to be addressed.

A careful study of the parole system would reveal that there are a number of benefits to be gained than the mere release of an offender. Permit me to share some of these benefits:

1. It helps to reduce the prison population. Parole has a positive impact on the overcrowding in our correctional facilities.

2. It serves as a deterrent to violent conduct. The psychological impact of losing one's freedom and being severely restricted to just a few hours per day outside of a prison cell can cause violent outbreaks. The possibility of one being able to get parole with good behaviour being one of the considerations helps as a psychological restraint.

3. It gives hope. Any person devoid of hope may become a vicious animal. The fact that parole is possible helps to keep that man/woman sane and manageable.

4. It underscores the fact of rehabilitation. Only persons who have obvious signs of having been rehabilitated can benefit from parole. The granting of parole means that the rehabilitation processes are working.

5. Very few persons who benefit from parole re-offend. Parole is a privilege and not a right. The fact that it has to be earned usually results in a greater appreciation for it. Statistics have shown that the rate of re-offending by persons who have benefited from conditional release is very small. Of note, repeat offenders nullify their own chance of being considered for parole.

6. It regulates the criminal justice system. As a function of the criminal justice system, it gives the system a chance for a second look at itself as well as the merits of the applicant's written submissions.

While many persons who have benefited from parole could make a meaningful contribution by becoming engaged in advocacy against crime in our communities and schools, they apparently desire to close that chapter of their lives and move on.

Prison Fellowship Jamaica would like to recommend that a study be commissioned, one that could provide information on the things that impact parolees which cause them to give up a life of crime. This data could benefit the rehabilitation process and help in the reduction of the rate of recidivism (re-offending).

I am, etc.,

MARK HARDY (Rev.)

Executive Director

Prison Fellowship Jamaica