What is the function of a parole board?

The primary function of a parole board is to review cases of prisoners to determine their eligibility for parole based on various factors, including behavior while incarcerated and progress made in rehabilitation efforts. This involves assessing whether the individual has demonstrated the ability to reintegrate into society successfully without posing a threat to public safety. The parole board considers reports from prison staff, evaluations of behavior, completion of rehabilitation programs, and sometimes victim impact statements before making decisions. This assessment process is crucial in ensuring that parole is granted only when it is deemed appropriate and that individuals have taken necessary steps towards reform and integration back into the community. Other roles, such as overseeing incarceration or managing probationary terms, do not align with the specific responsibilities of a parole board, which is primarily focused on the transition from prison to community supervision.