Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Sees Highest Parole Grant Rate Since 2019
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles (ABPP) has concluded fiscal year 2024 with an average parole grant rate of 20%, marking the highest level since 2019 after a four-year decline. With 2,786 hearings held, the board granted parole to 565 out of 2,221 eligible inmates, reflecting a notable increase from the mere 10% grant rate recorded in the previous fiscal year.
This turnaround comes amidst rising public and legal scrutiny, including a lawsuit filed in late 2023 that accused the ABPP of arbitrarily restricting inmate releases to sustain the state’s prison labor force. Lawmakers have raised concerns over the board’s failure to adhere to its recommended guidelines, which suggest a grant rate over 80%.
Despite the improvement, the ABPP’s grant rate remains below its target of 83%, leaving critics like Representative Chris England advocating for reforms that would compel the board to explain any deviations from these guidelines.
The report also highlighted ongoing racial disparities in parole grants. White inmates received parole at a rate of 24%, compared to 17% for Black inmates, an increase in disparity from 2023 when the numbers were 10% and 7% respectively. Additionally, disparities persisted in risk assessment categories, with low-risk inmates granted parole at a rate of 22%, compared to moderate-risk inmates at 24%.
Entering fiscal year 2025, the ABPP maintained momentum, achieving a monthly grant rate of 28% in October—the highest since 2020. Looking ahead, ABPP Director Cam Ward expressed skepticism about surpassing past grant peaks without significant legislative changes. Further analysis will be essential as the state aims to address systemic disparities and refine its parole processes.
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