Fixing Connecticut's Probation and Parole Problems

Authors:

• Leah Wang
• Gabriel Sayegh

Date:

• May 2023

Source:

• Prison Policy Initiative

Introduction

• Probation and Parole Scope: Nearly double the number of people under these systems compared to those incarcerated.
• Connecticut Context: Outsize probation system affects over 30,000 people.
• Problems Identified:
  • Underfunded and overly punitive systems.
  • Noncriminal technical violations drive mass incarceration.
  • Disproportionate impact on communities of color.

Probation Issues

• Population Stats: 30,723 people on probation as of Jan 1, 2023.
• Trends: After years of decline, probation population increased in late 2021.
• Probation Violations: Leading cause of incarceration.
• Reform Needs:
  • Less punitive, more supportive system.
  • Address probation’s role in cycles of incarceration.

Burdens Associated with Probation

• Financial Obligations:
  • $200 supervision fee and additional fees like drug testing.
• Electronic Monitoring (EM):
  • Used infrequently but presents financial and social burdens.

Noncriminal Violations

• Consequences:
  • Can result in incarceration despite no initial prison sentence.
  • Arrests for violations are common and costly.

Parole Issues

• Types of Parole:
  • Discretionary, Special, Transfer, Transitional Placement, Transitional Supervision.
• Special Parole:
  • Intense form of supervision, more common than discretionary parole.

Problems with Parole System

• Remanding Process:
  • People remanded for alleged violations without notice.
  • Long waits for hearings, causing job and housing loss.
• Reforms Needed:
  • Eliminate noncriminal re-incarceration.
  • Establish time credits for compliance.
  • Enhance due process rights.

Promise of Reform

• Potential Reforms:
  • Adopt New York’s Less Is More law principles.
  • Potential benefits include fewer arrests and reduced prison population.

Framework for Reform

• Key Components:
  • Restrict incarceration for noncriminal violations.
  • Encourage earned time credits.
  • Bolster due process.

Conclusions

• System Reform:
  • Connecticut has the opportunity to lead by adopting fairer, less punitive supervision policies.
• Impact:
  • Enhance public safety, reduce costs, and improve fairness.

Acknowledgements

• Thanks to Prison Policy Initiative, Katal Center, Wendy Sawyer, and others for contributions.

Organizations:

• Prison Policy Initiative: Focus on mass criminalization issues.
• Katal Center: Advocates for equity, health, and justice in CT and NY.