Parole

IMPORTANCE OF PAROLE

Parole is a legislated system by which an inmate can be released from prison at an early point in their sentence - this release is under supervision. It's the earliest time that an inmate can be released from the prison. This system allows an inmate who is serving 2 years or about to be released back into the community under supervision after serving 1/3 of their sentence time. It also allows inmates serving 10 years or a determine sentence of 21 years and above to be release after serving 7 years.  Those persons who are serving time for murder do not qualify for parole.   Parolees are monitored and supervised while on parole and this helps to foster the threshold for a successful re-entry to society.

As a parolee an individual is still a prisoner, however they are a prisoner with the opportunity to live out the remaining of their sentence at home; living a normal productive life under supervision.

BOARD REPRESENTATIVES

The Parole Board is a group of individuals, who are commissioned to this body by law, appointed by the Minister responsible for prisons. The Board is made up often (10) individuals representing the following agencies/interest groups:

1. The Chief Executive Officer to the Ministry responsible for prisons, ex-officio, who shall be the Chairman;
2. A person who holds or has held a judicial office;
3. A registered medical practitioner; preferably a psychiatrist
4. A representative of the Ministry responsible for Human Resources;
5. The Director of Prison; ex-officio;
6. Two other persons appearing to the Minister to have knowledge and experience of the supervision or after care of discharged prisoners, or who have made a study of the causes of delinquency or the treatment of offenders;
7. Two other persons nominated by the Belize Central Prison
8. One person nominated by the Belize Police Force
9. The Board shall appoint a prison officer to be Secretary to the Board

 *The Parole Board normally meets to consider parole applications on a monthly basis.

The Board may request any person to provide information or to make representations, which in the Board's opinion, may be of assistance in reaching a decision including any information or representation concerning:

a)      The safety of the public, and of any person or class of persons who may be affected by the release of an offender;

b)      The welfare of the offender an his reformation and training in the prison in which he is detained;

c)      The sentence imposed by the court and any comments by the court when such sentence was imposed;

d)     Any representation made by the Director of Belize Central Prison or the Commissioner of Police;

e)      Any representation made by the offender or any persons acting on their behalf;

f)       The probable circumstances of the offender if released; especially the likelihood of his peaceful reintegration into society;

g)      The likely response of the offender to supervision by the parole officer;

h)      The reasonable probability that the offender will live and remain at liberty without violating laws;

i)        Any other information or representation which the Board may think fit.

 
HOW AN INMATE QUALIFIES FOR PAROLE

 In order to qualify for parole an inmate must:

1. Have the legislated sentence time.
2. Be of good behavior and productivity in the prison; this includes participation in therapeutic, educational and work programs and not be involved in any infractions.
3. They must have a home in which to return and a family or friend committing to be of guidance and support.
4. They must have worked on their shortcomings through rehabilitation and show signs/evidence of this in their overall behavior and attitude

 Once he/she qualifies as above he/she then becomes a prospective parolee and the wheel is then put into motion for his/her application and submission to the Parole Board.

 He/she is made aware of this position and he/she has the right to accept or decline the application for the possibility of a parole.

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION TO THE PAROLE

If they qualify in the areas noted above then the process of information gathering and preparation of the file for submission to the Parole Board for consideration is done.

 Information submitted to the Parole Board:

1. Dossier, this has vital current information on the inmate.
2. A current picture of the inmate
3. The inmate's application letter.
4. The inmate’s family information.  This can also include a letter from the family if they wish to do so.
5. Program information/recommendation from the various programs within the prison, this includes any certificate or award they have received.
6. Recommendation(s) from persons within the community; this is gather by the inmate with the assistance of their families and friends.
7. A victim's report in those cases where some form of aggravated assault was committed (e.g. sexual offences. Main)   The victim can also submit a letter if they so choose.
8. A survivor's report in those cases where there was a loss of life. The survivor can also submit a letter if they so choose. .
9. A prison progress report
10.  Conviction warrant
11.  Prison charge sheet if any
12.  Record of previous conviction time spent in the prison

PAROLE CONDITONS AND RESTRICTION

1. I will report to the Parole Officer at such times and places as directed.  I will comply with the Parole Officer’s instructions and response truthfully to all inquires.
2. I will comply with the order of the Court or Parole Board, and all instructions of my Parole Officer, including any order for the payment of money, or any condition added by my Parole Officer pursuant to Parole Board Rules.
3. I will inform the Parole Officer of any changing of residence, employment or traveling out of the district for extended period.
4. I will notify the Parole Officer immediately of any arrest, summons or questioning by a law enforcement officer.           
5. I will diligently seek and maintain gainful employment, notify my employer of my legal status, and support dependents to the best of my ability.
6. I will not receive, posses, control or transport any weapon, explosive or  firearm, or simulated weapon, explosive, or firearm.
7. I will be of good conduct, obey all laws, and remain arrest free.
8. I will submit to breath, blood or urinalysis testing for the presence of any substance or provide any such sample for testing, or submit to such other test or procedures, as may be directed by the Parole Board or my Parole Officer.
9.  I will submit to reasonable searches of my person, property and possessions as required by the Parole Officer and permit the Parole Officer to visit my residence at reasonable times for the purpose of examination and inspection in the enforcement of the conditions of Parole.
10. I will not associate with persons involved in criminal activities or other Individuals as directed by my Parole Officer unless specifically authorized to do so by the Parole Officer.
11. I will not indulge in the illegal use, sale, possession, distribution, transportation or be in the presence of controlled drugs.
12. The following specific conditions are imposed by the Court or Parole Board:

       I.            I will participate regularly with Alcoholics nonymous/Narcotics Anonymous to the satisfaction of the Parole Officer.

    II.            I will secure written permission from the Parole Officer prior to purchasing and/or operating a motor vehicle.

    III.            I will participate in and satisfactorily complete the following programs:

• I will enroll and participate in mental health counseling on a regular basis to the satisfaction of the Parole Officer.
• I will not be in the unsupervised company of (female/male) minors at any time.
• I will not leave the country without permission of the Parole Officer.
• I will not use of alcoholic beverages in excess.
• I will execute and deliver all necessary documents to release any and all otherwise privileged reports relating to medical or mental health care, counseling, employment, or income as may be requested by the Parole Officer.
• Others