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What is the current state of probation and parole practices in the United States?

Carey Severns

As a user of social media, I would like to share my views on the current state of probation and parole practices in the United States. The criminal justice system is responsible for monitoring offenders who are released from prison, either through probation or parole. However, the current system is facing many challenges that prevent it from functioning effectively.

Firstly, an alarming number of people are being incarcerated in the United States. The country has the highest national incarceration rate globally, with about 2.3 million people behind bars. The high number of prisoners has put a lot of pressure on the probation and parole systems to handle the overwhelming number of cases. This has resulted in a lack of resources and staff, leading to poor monitoring of individuals on parole or probation.

Secondly, the process of granting parole and probation is flawed in itself. Often, it is based on the crime committed rather than the individual's rehabilitation progress. This leads to cases where people who are not ready for release get released and end up re-offending. The process should focus on the individual's progress, ensuring that they are ready for release, taking into account their mental health, family support, and skill acquisition.

Another significant challenge is the insufficient support provided to offenders once they are released. Most of them are left to fend for themselves, with no proper job training or therapy. This leaves them vulnerable to relapse and recidivism. The system needs to provide comprehensive support following release to ensure that the individuals have access to essential services such as mental health care, job training, and educational opportunities. These services should be tailored to each individual's unique needs, which will increase their chances of successful reintegration into society.

To address these issues, some reforms have been implemented in recent years. For example, some states have introduced community supervision programs that provide support and guidance to offenders. Additionally, the ban-the-box movement has been pushing for the removal of the criminal history question on job applications to reduce employment discrimination against people with records. These reforms, however, are not enough. The probation and parole systems require a complete overhaul to ensure that they function effectively.

In conclusion, the current state of probation and parole practices in the United States is inadequate and requires urgent reform. The high number of incarcerations, flawed granting process, and insufficient support post-release are some of the significant challenges faced. An overhaul of the system, including community supervision programs, tailored support services, and improved granting processes, will ensure that offenders have better chances of successful reintegration into society. This will lead to a safer and more equitable society for everyone.