THE PAROLE PROCESS

Parole release is a public safety decision. You should know that the PA Parole Board uses
guidelines and considers evidence-based practices, including risk assessments, to assist in
decising whether to parole an offender.

In all cases, the Prisons and Parole Code mandates that the Board considers the following:

Circumstances
The nature and circumstances of the
offense committed.

Recommendations Any recommendations made by the trial

judge and prosecuting attorney, as well as
notes of testimony at the sentencing
hearing.

Background
The general background and character of
the offender.

The conduct of the offender in prison,

Conduct the offender’s mental and behavioral
history, the offender’s history of family
violence, and the offender’s complete
criminal record.

Victim Testimony
The written or personal statement of the
victim or victim’s family.

The law requires that the Board keep the contents of your statement confidential; matters
related to the parole of inmates are also considered confidential. There will be no reference
of your statement given to the offender, or to any other person. You will be notified of
the Board’s decision by the Office of Victim Advocate.

By law, the Pennsylvania Victim Advocate may petition the Board on your behalf to
seek conditions, should the offender be released.

If you have questions in regards to this process, or in general, please speak with your Victim
Assistance Coordinator.