Alaska Parole Board's Low Approval Rates: Advocates Seek Answers

Alaskas parole approval rates have significantly dropped, with the State Board of Parole denying 59% of applicants in 2021, a stark contrast to 25% in 2015. This decline coincides with a 79% reduction in discretionary parole releases nationwide since 2019. Advocates, including Christina Shadura from the Anchorage Reentry Coalition, question the boards decision-making process, citing a lack of transparency and unclear factors contributing to low approval rates. Board members emphasize the importance of proper programming and release plans, but the board refuses to provide further explanations, citing legal constraints. The ACLU of Alaska criticizes this lack of transparency and highlights the financial burden of incarceration, with prison costs at $202 per person per day compared to $13 per day on parole. Advocates like Shadura hope for more insights from the board to better prepare inmates for successful re-entry into society. DNN | The Daily News Now! The world’s first global local news network. Every city. Every story. AI powered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.