Abstract
Providing written and oral evidence to panels of the Parole Board is a central task for prison-based psychologists. 1 Whilst there is usually a range of professional opinions available to panels of the Parole Board, psychologists are seen by some
prisoners to be the people who hold ‘the key to captivity or release’2 (p.121). It is not known whether Parole Board decisions are more influenced by psychologists’ reports than by those of other professionals (in fact another study suggested that parole decisions were most consistent with recommendations from Offender Managers).3 However there is certainly a view amongst prisoners that psychological assessment carries the most weight in parole decisions.
prisoners to be the people who hold ‘the key to captivity or release’2 (p.121). It is not known whether Parole Board decisions are more influenced by psychologists’ reports than by those of other professionals (in fact another study suggested that parole decisions were most consistent with recommendations from Offender Managers).3 However there is certainly a view amongst prisoners that psychological assessment carries the most weight in parole decisions.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 36-40 |
Journal | Prison Service Journal |
Issue number | 237 |
Publication status | Published - 1 May 2018 |