Relationship of Time Served to Parole Outcome for Different Classifications of Burglars Based on Males Paroled in Fifty Jurisdictions in 1968 and 1969

Abstract

A key decision in the correctional process is determining when to release an offender to parole. Setting the optimum time to be served is difficult. One of the purposes of this study is to see if research based on past experience can provide some future guidelines for determining optimum time for different types of offenders. The Uniform Parole Reports (UPR) program, sponsored by the National Probation and Parole Institutes, provides the research base for this study. The study groups consisted of males convicted of burglary offenses who were paroled and reported to UPR. These groups consisted of 7,200 parolees in 1968 and 7,600 parolees in 1969. The standard UPR definition of parole outcome for a one- year follow-up was used as the criterion variable. An experience table with different offender classifications was developed to achieve the maximum logical differentiation as to parole outcome. The parole outcome rates for the 1968 classifications ranged from 26 percent to 87 percent with a favorable adjustment at the end of one year. The classifications developed for 1968 parolees fairly accurately predicted the 1969 parolees' experience. In the process of developing the offender classifications, sup portive evidence was found for the maturation concept. In 21 of 22 comparisons, the older parolees had more favorable outcome rates than the younger parolees. The number of months served showed no consistent relationship to parole outcome for any classification. This study does not assess imprisonment as a punish ment device or as a means of custody. It does suggest that the vast sums being spent on correctional institutions, as a crime reduction device, need further evaluation if we are to stem the growing crime rate.