Parole allows a prisoner to serve part of their sentence of imprisonment in the community. While on parole, a prisoner will be subject to parole conditions and under supervision.
Parole provides prisoners with a structured, supported and supervised transition so that they can adjust from prison back into the community, rather than returning straight to the community at the end of their sentence.
By supporting prisoners to return to the community under supervision toward the end of their sentence, parole’s main purpose is to increase community safety.
Applying for parole
To be considered for release on parole, eligible prisoners must apply to the Adult Parole Board. A prisoner is eligible to apply for parole if they are undergoing a sentence with a non-parole period of imprisonment.
Corrections Victoria gives eligible prisoners information about how and when to apply for parole, and helps prisoners prepare for parole.
If a prisoner applies for parole, the Adult Parole Board determines whether to grant, deny or defer parole. If it grants parole, the Board will also determine the conditions of parole.
Victims of crime may write to the Board at any time and the Board will take into account the victims views when the Board considers whether to grant parole to the prisoner. Some eligible victims of crime may choose to be registered on the Victims Register that is managed by the Victims Support Agency.
On parole
If the Board decides to release a prisoner on parole, the prisoner will be supervised by a Corrections Victoria parole officer, who will meet regularly with the parolee. The parole officer may also visit the parolee at home and may direct the parolee to do certain things, such as to do community work or to take a drug test.
During the parole, the parole officer may provide reports to the Board. Depending on the parolee’s progress, the Board may decide to interview the parolee to encourage or warn them. If it considers it necessary, the Board may cancel the parole and issue a warrant for Victoria Police to arrest the parolee and return them to prison.
For information about parole and the Adult Parole Board, visit the Adult Parole Board (External link) website.