What is Parole?
Parole is a way of letting a prisoner serve part of their sentence in the community. The Board must decide that the prisoner's release to parole does not pose an unacceptable risk to community safety.
Parole does not free a prisoner from their sentence. A prisoner on parole (a parolee) continues to serve their sentence in the community.
Parole is a privilege. Parole may be granted to prisoners who:
- follow prison rules and exhibit good prison conduct;
- have addressed their treatment needs to an acceptable level;
- have proposed a supportive and appropriate parole plan; and
- do not pose an unacceptable risk to community safety.
Once released from prison, a parolee is supervised by Adult Community Corrections. The parolee must comply with the specific conditions of their Parole Order to remain in the community.
Parole conditions are designed to protect community and individual safety. The conditions assist with a parolee's community reintegration and rehabilitation, and are used as a performance monitoring tool.
Common misconceptions about parole:
- Parole is not a shortening a prison sentence.
- Parole is not granted for compassionate reasons.
- Parole is not a reward for good behaviour in prison.
- Parole is not automatically granted to first time offenders.
- Parole is not compensation for being unable to participate in a treatment programme in prison.
Last updated: 8 April 2025