Crime Committee Report e.indd - New York State Senate

IX. Division of Parole - Budget Legislation - 2010- 2011
In 2009, the Senate Standing Committee for Crime, Crime Victims and Correction, approved
the nomination of Andrea W. Evans as Chairwoman of the Board of Parole and CEO of the Division
of Parole. In June of 2009, Ms. Evans was confirmed by the Senate. Prior to her nomination
and confirmation, Ms. Evans was Director of the Division of Parole for Region II, an area
encompassing Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. In this position she was responsible for the
operation of nine area offices, and the Queensboro Correctional Facility. Prior to this role, Ms.
Evans served as Deputy Regional Director for Region I, where she managed the operation of
field offices in Bronx County.
The 2010-2011 Executive Budget recommends $189.1 million for the Division of Parole. This
is a $4.5 million decrease over the prior year which the Governor reported “primarily reflects
the reduction in parolee population”. 22 The Governor explained that parolee population is
projected to decline by nearly 1,500; therefore fewer parole officers were needed. This decline
is largely attributed to Rockefeller Drug Law Reform which permitted drug offenders who
were presumptively released from State prison to be released earlier from parole supervision.
In particular, pursuant to Executive Law 259j, A-1 felons were released from parole supervision
after completing three years of uninterrupted parole supervision. Those sentenced under
Rockefeller reform make up a significant part of parolees discharged early from parole because
of a proven track record of good behavior. Savings are estimated at $3.7 million.
A Quick Profile of Parolees
In 2008, there were 42,972 men and women under parole supervision. 92% were men and
8% were women. The median age of the average parolee was 37 years of age. 52% were Black,
25% were Hispanic, 21% were White and 2% were classified as other. 71% needed services for
drug abuse, 47% needed services for alcohol abuse and 14% reported a grade school education
only and 48% needed assistance in gaining employment. 57% resided in New York City,
7% resided in Long Island and 36% resided upstate. 44.1% were on parole for violent felonies,
37.2% were on parole for drug related offenses and 10.8% were on parole for property related
crimes and 7.8% were classified as “Other”.
In broad strokes, the parolee population is largely minority, poorly educated, under employed
and concentrated in urban New York.
The State’s parole system involves three major activities: preparing inmates for re-entry into
the community; assisting the Board of Parole in making release determinations and setting
conditions; and supervising parolees released from prison while supporting their successful
reintegration into the community.
The Executive Budget projects that the Division of Parole will have 1,995 filled positions by
the end of the 2010-2011 to staff the process covering 42,972 men and women.
Ensuring Public Protection
The Senate Standing Committee for Crime, Crime Victims and Correction recognizes that
field parole officers play the most important role in defining the success or failure of individuals
placed on parole. The parole officer plays the dual role of social worker and law enforcement
officer, on the one hand promoting successful re-entry efforts and on the other, responsible
for policing individuals that fail to comply with the terms and conditions of parole. Field
22 2010-2011 Executive Budget, Division of Parole, at p. 387.
Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction | 2009-2010 Report 17