9.11. Parole 
DAVID CARTER 
While the process to get onto parole is unique to all of the other community sanctions we have discussed 
so far in this section, individuals on parole are in the community. Thus, parole is often placed within the 
concepts of community corrections. Parole is the release (under conditions) of an individual after they have 
served a portion of their sentence. It is also accompanied by the threat of re-incarceration if warranted. As 
with most concepts in our legal system, their roots of parole can be traced back to concepts from England and 
Europe. However, parole today has greatly evolved based on American values and concepts. Parole in the 
United States began as a concept at the first American Prison Association meeting in 1870. There was much 
support for the ideals of reform in corrections in America at the time. Advocates for reform helped to create 
the concept of parole and how it would look in the U.S., and plans to develop parole went from there. Parole 
authorities began establishing within the States, and by the mid-1940s, all States had a parole authority. 
Parole Boards and State parole authorities have fluctuated over the years, but the concept is still practiced, in 
varying degrees today. It is different than probation, which often operates under the judicial branch. Parole 
typically operates under the executive branch and is aligned with the departments of corrections, as parole 
is a direct extension of prison terms and release. Many states operate a post-prison supervision addendum to 
their sentencing matrix for the punishment of individuals. 
Oregon Sentencing Guidelines 
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