For many incarcerated individuals, thinking about release grants the resilience to navigate an incredibly challenging time in one's life...until they actually are released only to discover that the obstacles facing parolees are conceivably more substantial than those facing the actively incarcerated. Oklahoma, with its long history of starving social services and punishment philosophy of justice, ensures that, even on the other side of a jail or prison sentence, individuals face constant reminders of their status and plenty of seemingly impossible barriers in their effort to move from "convict" to...anything else.
Probation and Parole
Probation allows an individual to do certain things, like checking in with a probation officer or wear an electronic monitoring bracelet, INSTEAD of serving time in a jail or prison. Parole occurs after part of a sentence has been served in a jail or prison.
Individuals on probation or parole will face significant fees and fines as they complete that portion of their sentence. Again, fines incurred while engaged with the criminal legal system is how many District Attorneys' offices fund a major portion of their work so it is in their interest to make sure people pay as much they can possibly get out of them. In Oklahoma, one of every 83 adults is on probation or parole. That is the number currentlyunder supervision.
Individuals that are unable to pay or violate their supervision agreement in some other way are returned to incarceration. Supervision fees cost up to $60 in Oklahoma while 75% on probation in Oklahoma make less than $20,000 a year. Violating parole is a significant reason why people are in prison in Oklahoma. One quarter of prison admissions in 2015 were because of parole violations.
Parole in Oklahoma: Basics
The parole process is different for individuals convicted of violent offenses than it is for individuals convicted of nonviolent offenses. For violent offenses, an individual must complete 85% of their sentence. The individual must apply to go before the Pardon and Parole Board. The DA and individuals who were affected by the crime are notified of the application. The applicant must successfully convince that they have "demonstrated appropriate behavior while in an institution which ensures an opportunity for success socially and economically" to the board members. If a majority of the five-member board approves parole, then the Governor must be notified and agree to the parole. If the board is unconvinced, the individual must wait 3-5 years before they are eligible to apply again. For nonviolent offenses, the process is slightly different. The applicant must have completed 1/3 of the sentence. The Pardon and Parole Board can approve or deny the application and these do not require the approval of the Governor. If denied, the applicant must wait one year.
Boss:James Rudek, Director of Community Corrections and Contract Services, (405) 425-2696, [email protected] Accountable to: Mike Carpenter, COO Department of Corrections, 405-425-7008, [email protected] Mike Carpenter reports to Scott Crow, Director of Corrections, (405) 425-2506, [email protected]