Life on Parole

Overview

• Hundreds of people are put on parole every day; many return to prison.
• Violations often occur without committing new crimes, such as breaching supervision rules.
• Many states are attempting to break the cycle of reincarceration.

Filming and Access

• The documentary followed four parolees in Connecticut for 1.5 years.
• Focus on the relationships between parolees and their supervisors.
• Highlight the struggles and the severe consequences of supervision violations.

Parole Context in Connecticut

• Connecticut is increasing parole opportunities to reduce prison populations.
• A significant number of parolees (about a third) violate terms and are reincarcerated.
• The state focuses on helping parolees reintegrate rather than strictly punishing violations.

Individual Stories

Erroll Brantley

• Released after 20 months for drug possession and burglary.
• Required to undergo mandatory drug testing and avoid contact with prior victims.
• Violated parole by going home to his girlfriend, Katherine, on the first day.
• Struggled with drug addiction, leading to missed appointments and dirty drug tests.
• Enrolled in a drug counseling program after a violation; later checked himself into detox.
• Eventually faced a parole violation for continued drug use and the impact on his relationship with Katherine.

Jessica Proctor

• Incarcerated for slashing a girl’s face; served ten years.
• Longing to reconnect with her son after release.
• Faced challenges with pressure to be a good mother despite limited time with her son.
• Tested positive for marijuana after expressing stress about her situation.

Rob Sullivan

• Underwent treatment for addiction as a condition of parole.
• Faced financial restrictions while living in a halfway house, impacting his ability to provide for his daughter.
• Eventually fled the halfway house, declared a fugitive, but planned to turn himself in.

Vaughn Gresham

• Served seven years on parole due to armed robbery.
• Experienced multiple violations and went through several halfway houses.
• Expressed frustration with the strict rules and conditions imposed during parole.

Systemic Issues

• Connecticut's reform aims to balance supervision with support for reintegration.
• Parole officers face the challenge of enforcing rules while also supporting parolees.
• Many parolees struggle with the transition back to society and independence after incarceration.

Conclusion

• The documentary exposes the complexities of parole, highlighting individual stories against a backdrop of systemic reform.
• The narrative emphasizes the need for second chances and the challenges of maintaining compliance under supervision.