Alabama’s parole grant rate has been steadily increasing, with the latest report from the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles showing a 21% grant rate for eligible inmates in July. This brings the average parole grant rate for the current fiscal year to 20.1%, the highest since 2019. However, Director Cam Ward believes that without major reforms to state law, the parole grant rate is unlikely to reach the peak of 55% seen in 2017.
Various reforms over the past decade, including standardized risk assessments and changes to the parole board, have contributed to the decline in parole grant rates. Although some lawmakers, like Rep. Chris England, are pushing for reforms to increase the parole grant rate, Ward remains skeptical about reaching previous levels without significant changes to sentencing laws.
In addition to racial disparities in parole grant rates, differences in grant rates based on risk assessments have also been noted. Inmates with a moderate risk assessment were granted parole at higher rates compared to those with a low-risk assessment. This has raised concerns about the intentional denial of parole to low-risk inmates for prison labor purposes.
Despite the increase in the parole grant rate this fiscal year, disparities persist in the rates at which white and Black inmates are granted parole. Ward acknowledges the need for further reforms but emphasizes that the bureau does not take a position on legislation that does not directly impact their reentry and supervision services.
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