Overview
The Parole Process
Potential Releasees
Parole is a process that begins while the individual is incarcerated. Offender Rehabilitation Coordinators and/or Supervising Offender Coordinators assist in preparing incarcerated individuals for their New York State Board of Parole interview. Board interviews include answering questions about prior criminal activity, custodial record, program participation, future goals and release plans.
The New York State Board of Parole is the sole entity with discretionary authority to grant release to eligible individuals incarcerated with DOCCS. It is an independent body responsible for determining parole, setting parole conditions, and revoking parole when conditions have been violated.
Individuals who have been approved for release, but who still have time on their sentence, must complete it on community supervision (generally referred to as parole) with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
Crime Victims
The Board recognizes that crime victims are an important part of the criminal justice process and have information that can assist its members when they consider release.
DOCCS' Office of Victim Assistance was established to assist individuals impacted by crime in getting their recommendations and/or impact statements to the Board and with questions regarding DOCCS' policies and procedures. The Office of Victim Assistance works in partnership with other criminal justice agencies and victim service providers to represent, protect and advance the interests of crime victims.
Board of Parole
Meet the Commissioners
Learn more about the Board of Parole Commissioners and their backgrounds.
Letters in Support or Opposition to Release
Anyone can submit letters in opposition or support of an incarcerated individual's release.
Role of the Board of Parole
Making Determinations
The Board of Parole panel, generally comprised of 2 or 3 members, reviews the incarcerated individual's file, letters in support of or opposition to release, and recommendations from district attorneys, sentencing courts, and defense attorneys to determine release.
Setting Conditions
The Board of Parole sets conditions of release for incarcerated individuals going into community supervision, as well as for those "conditionally released" to supervision by state statute who have earned time off their maximum sentence for good behavior.
Revoking Parole
Board of Parole action may require the individual to return to state prison or impose other appropriate sanctions. In some cases, Board action is delegated to Administrative Hearing Officers who have the authority to adjudicate parole violations.
Parole Appeals, Decisions and Rules & Regulations
Work with the Office of Victim Assistance (OVA) to tell the Board What You Think
Helping Victims and Families
Assisting Victims and Families
OVA serves as a liaison between the Board and victims of crimes and their families.
Making Recommendations
Victims and their families can make recommendations to the Board through the OVA.
Scheduling Impact Statements
OVA can schedule in-person and telephone victim impact statements for victims and their families.
Helpful Information
About the Board of Parole, Community Supervision, and Reentry
The Board of Parole's mission is to ensure public safety by granting parole when...
The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS)...
Answers to questions frequently asked regarding out of area/out of state travel...