Your editorial ”Parole agents: A cruel cut” was very perceptive. My experience over some 17 years in working with parole agents corroborates your view. Stated simply, your editorial indicates that one of the ”safety nets” in the community has been withdrawn, that people will be at risk. Long term, the cutting of parole agents may be more costly than cost-effective in dollars and lives.
The focus of parole is public safety. Parole is an alternative to being in prison. The ex-offender, through parole, finishes his prison sentence in the community. Parole agents create expectations among ex-offenders to live in a legal manner. Those expectations become a reality by reporting to a parole agent on regular basis. The parole agent is the authority of the state personalized to the ex-offender.
We at Safer realize the importance of parole. We hope this vital service is restored so as to function for the safety of the community.
