Corrections | Parole  | Probation

What is the State Division of Parole?
The State Division of Parole supervises inmates of the New York State prison system who have been released from prison for various reasons after consideration by the Parole Board. The Division of Parole currently supervises 45,000 parolees in the State.

How would the abuser get parole in New York State?
In New York State, there are four ways by which inmates can be released from state prison to the community.

They are:
1. Discretionary release to parole supervision
2. Conditional release to parole supervision
3. Release to a period of post-release supervision
4. Completion of the term of incarceration to its maximum expiration date

The first three involve supervision by the Division of Parole and the fourth does not. Inmates are eligible for conditional release after completing two-thirds of their court-imposed maximum sentence and are statutorily granted conditional release to community supervision despite having been denied discretionary release by the Parole Board.

Are all inmates eligible for parole?
No. Jenna's Law, passed in 1998, eliminated parole release for all violent felony offenders in New York State.

As a result of these laws, all violent felony offenders sentenced to state prison must now serve six-sevenths (86%) of their court-imposed sentence before being released. There is no discretionary release for these individuals. After serving six-sevenths of the sentence, the offender must then also begin serving a period of court-imposed post-release supervision of one-and-a-half to five years.

How can I talk to a parole officer about the abuser?
Victims may call the toll-free number 888-VINE4NY (846-3469) to locate the area office and telephone number of the supervision bureau for offenders released to parole supervision after January 1, 1999. The victim will need the inmate’s first and last name. If the inmate has a common name, contact the prosecuting District Attorney's Office to obtain the inmate's New York State Identification Number (NYSID) or date of birth.

Victims should then call the supervision bureau and ask to speak with a Division of Parole staff person regarding a particular parolee. Supervision bureaus are organized regionally and the phone number of the closest Supervision Bureau is listed in the blue pages of the local phone book.

What happens if the abuser violates parole?
If the abuser commits a new crime or fails to adhere to the conditions of release:

• A detainer warrant may be issued.

If a warrant is issued:

• The abuser will be arrested and detained in a local jail awaiting the outcome of a parole violation hearing.

If the charges alleging a violation of parole are not sustained at the violation hearing:

• The warrant will be lifted and the abuser will be restored to supervision.

If the violation charges are sustained:

• The abuser may be ordered to return to state prison for a duration of time to be determined by the Board of Parole, or referred to an alternative treatment facility, such as a drug treatment facility.

Get more information about parole