Question NW3474 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
18 November 2022 - NW3474
Luthuli, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Given the high number of repeat offenders, how has his department ensured that individuals appointed as parole board members receive adequate support and enough time to conduct assessments effectively in order to make an informed decision on granting or denying parole to an inmate?
Reply:
The Department has implemented the following material support systems to Parole Boards:
- DCS has expedited the filling of parole board vacancies that have existed across all regions to ensure that boards function at full complement
- The Department has been building capacity in Case Management Committees in order to improve the quality of sentence plans, case management processes and profiles that are ultimately submitted to the Parole Board to better assist them in arriving at a decision.
- Ongoing training is provided to the Correctional Supervision and Parole Boards (CSPBs). The training focuses on parole policy procedures, decision making tools and calculation of release dates amongst others.
- Profile reports are submitted 3 months prior to offenders reaching their minimum detention periods to the CSPBs for consideration for possible placement on parole.
END.