Hopes new videos will provide 'greater transparency' around parole and temporary release

Videos released explaining the parole system and temporary release process

'Open justice and transparency is key' according to the deputy chair of the Island's Parole Committee.

It's as the Department of Home Affairs has today released two videos to explain the parole system and temporary release process.

The Minister, Jane Poole-Wilson, says they have been prepared 'to perhaps allay some misunderstandings'.

She told Manx Radio the videos have taken a while to create, but should hopefully help 'wider understanding' given that her department can't comment on individual cases:

Parole

Parole is the conditional release of a prisoner from prison to serve the rest of their sentence in the community under supervision.

It is a privilege for which they can apply and there are rigorous checks first.

Those sentenced for more than four years in prison are eligible for parole at the halfway point. 

If they don’t apply for parole at that point, they are released at the two-thirds point, with licence conditions.

For those sentenced to less than 12 months, there is automatic release at the halfway point, with no licence conditions.

Prisoners whose sentences are between 12 months and four years are automatically released at the halfway point, with licence conditions.

Mark Emery is the Deputy Chair of the Island's Parole Committee which is a statutory body made up of nine lay members and is responsible for advising the Department of Home Affairs on the release and recall of long-term prisoners on parole.

He says open justice and transparency is key:

Victims will be notified and support is available.

The Parole Committee considers the following factors:

• The risk to the public that early release would present
• The risk of further offending
• If early release would contribute to rehabilitation and reintegration into the community
• What conditions could be attached to a licence to assist with reintegration of the offender into the community and reduce risks identified upon early release

Individuals released on parole are subject to licence conditions, which are supervised by the Isle of Man Prison and Probation Service.

These may include curfews, travel restrictions, employment requirements, drug and alcohol testing, contact restrictions and electronic tagging.

Any breach may result in prisoners being returned to custody, after which they may apply for re-release.

When a detainee is due to be released or when the detainee makes an application for Parole, the Victim Liaison Officer (VLO) will work with any victims or their family if they wish to do so.  

The VLO will be able to share information about the process of release and parole and may also discuss potential licence conditions, such as being prohibited from contacting individuals, or being excluded from specific areas.  

The VLO can also support the provision of victim impact statements, which are provided to the Parole Committee.

Temporary release

Manx law also allows some convicted offenders to be released temporarily from prison. 

However, it is not an automatic right, and it is granted under specific conditions. 

For example, the prisoners may be electronically monitored or have prison officers accompany them.

Only individuals who meet certain criteria are released this way, and the DHA says victims will be notified and support is available.

If the individual is allowed to spend time in the community, they are subject to strict licence conditions.

These are similar to those in parole cases and may include curfews, travel restrictions, employment requirements, drug and alcohol testing, contact restrictions and electronic tagging.

Some prisoners may be released on a temporary licence for a finite period of time and return to prison at the end of the approved period.