Chapter Activities

These lively and stimulating ideas for use in and out of class reinforce active learning. The activities apply to individual or group projects.

15-1:  Define parole and basic parolee characteristics.

  1. Documentation:  In groups of 3-5, outline trends of parole and characteristics of parolees.
  2. Writing: 50% of offenders released early are granted parole due to good time provisions. What does this imply regarding parole and behavioral management? Discuss in 500-800 words.

15-2:  Discuss the historical development of parole.

  1. Role-playing:  In groups of 4-6, enact scenarios in which inmates might receive marks, or lose marks based on their behavior. Express how marks were a form of behavior management and ere indeterminate in nature.
  2. Writing:  What historical factors have prompted changes in parole? Consider, particularly, legislation issued in the 1980s and 1990s, and current movements pushing for reform. In 1000-1200 words, discuss the impacts of previous legislation and goals for current reform efforts.

15-3:  Know and understand the basics regarding state parole, its organization, and its administration.

  1. Practicum:  Parole decisions often consider many and carry a heavy weight politically and socially. In groups of 4-6, outline 7-10 factors that should be of primary consideration when granting parole.
  2. Writing:  Imagine you are on a parole board and must decide whether or not to grant probation to a 24-year-old currently incarcerated for drug and gun possessions. In 800-1000 words, discuss what factors you would consider, as well as your hopes and concerns.

15-4:  Evaluate the use of parole as a correctional release valve for prisons.

  1. Documentation:  In groups of 3-5, use a diagram and/or outline to demonstrate how parole can serve as a release valve mechanism. Discuss the implications of this trend.
  2. Writing:  What are the implications, benefits, and challenges of parole as a correctional release valve for prisons? Discuss in 500-800 words.

15-5:  Describe the role of parole officers.

  1. Role-playing:  In groups of 4-6, portray 3-5 scenarios in which an inmate meets with his or her institutional parole officer. Include discussions of tentative plans and ways to address concerns.
  2. Writing:  Imagine you have recently been released from prison after a 7 year sentence. What will be your thoughts, hopes, and fears? Consider a range of emotions, including the first thing you would wish to do after being released from prison and systematic obstacles you might face. Discuss in 1000-1200 words.

15-6:  Explain the common conditions of parole and how parole effectiveness can be refined and adjusted to better meet supervision requirements that are based on the offender’s behavior.

  1. Documentation:  In groups of 3-5, outline common conditions of parole, including the correctional philosophies underlying them.
  2. Writing:  What is the purpose of parole conditions, and how do you think their effectiveness can be optimized? Discuss in 500-800 words.

15-7:  Be able to discuss the parole selection process, factors influencing parole decisions, and factors considered when granting and denying parole.

  1. Practicum:  In groups of 4-6, outline 3-5 activities designed to aid offenders’ reentry into the community. Include details of the programming and how it can help with reentry. Present to the class.
  2. Writing:  In 800-1000 words, reflect on the purpose of the Second Chance Act and how it can accomplish its goals. Consider perspectives of inmates, families of the incarcerated, service providers, correctional staff, victims’ families, and the general public.

15-8:  Describe the process for violations of parole, parole warrants, and parole revocation proceedings.

  1. Role-playing:  In groups of 4-6, enact scenarios which demonstrate the two-stage revocation process. Include participation from the parole board, parole officer, inmate, and other individuals likely to be present at a hearing.
  2. Writing:  Imagine you are a parole revocations officer. What will be key factors that you consider when deciding whether or not to revoke an individual’s parole? Reflect in 800-1000 words.