FAQs
Here we try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
General Questions
What is Parole?
What is the Parole Board?
How does a prisoner apply for parole?
Is parole a reward for good behaviour in prison?
Do sex offenders get parole?
Will the Board release a prisoner who denies his/her guilt?
Prisoners' Questions
When do I qualify for consideration for early release on parole?
Can I opt out of the parole system?
When do I qualify for consideration for release on life licence?
Who writes the reports for my parole review dossier?
Do I get to see all the reports in my parole review dossier?
What if I don't agree with a report written about me?
When does a determinate sentence prisoner get interviewed by a Parole Board member?
Can I be legally represented when I am being interviewed by the member of the Parole Board?
What does the Parole Board take into account when considering my case?
The Board takes into account all of the information contained in the reports in the dossier. The Board will take into account information about your offence from the trial judge's report. You should, therefore, tell the truth about your offence. The Board is interested in your behaviour in prison, your offending history, your family and social background and your plans for release. The Board should pay particular attention to whether you have taken any steps to address issues or problems which may have contributed to your offending behaviour. The Board's job is to assess whether you are likely to be a risk to the community if you are released on licence.