Texas Parole System, Essay Example

The parole system in the State of Texas has two separate bodies that work together to operate and oversee various functions related to parole. The first of these is the Board of Pardons and Paroles, which makes decisions about eligibility for offenders in discretionary mandatory supervision, as well as eligibility for discretionary early release. The second body is the Parole Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), which coordinates its functions with the Board of Pardons and Paroles. The TDCJ does not make decisions about which offenders are eligible for parole, though it does conduct pre-hearing investigations and prepare reports about an offender’s criminal record, background, and incarceration history which are provided to the Board of Pardons and Paroles when an offender is scheduled for a parole hearing. The Parole Division is also responsible for the oversight and supervision of offenders when they are released on parole.

The Board of Pardons and Parole does, at its discretion, offer parole to some offenders prior to the completion of their sentences, and also uses discretion when processing offenders for mandatory parole release. Offenders who are subject to release on mandatory parole must still meet the guidelines and requirements imposed by the Board of Pardons and Paroles, such guidelines might include work or residency requirements or other stipulations and parameters. The Board may, at its discretion, deny or revoke parole for any parolee who fails to adhere to the guidelines established by the Board. The Board typically uses graduated sanctions for parolees who do not meet the requirements of their parole conditions; technical infractions or minor infractions are likely to result in stricter parole conditions as a first measure, while repeated or severe violations are likely to result in revocation of parole and incarceration.