The new anti-crime initiatives focus on offenders released from prison, either on parole or by maximum expiration of their sentences. The Governor noted that 44 percent of parolees are returned to prison within three years of their release. He also said that, since he has been Governor, the number of parolees returning to prison for rules violations has increased by 27 percent while the number returned for new crimes has decreased by 15 percent. Second, we can be successful at monitoring parolees to ensure we cite them for rules violations before they commit new crimes. As a result, the task force and the Governor's new initiatives are focused on parolees and others released from prison.
Police can input information on anyone into the parole computer and see if there is a hit.
Law enforcement will instantaneously know if the person is or was on parole, or if a parolee is an absconder. Officials will know that person's parole status long before a fingerprint check produces a rap sheet. Parole will immediately notify police agencies when a parolee absconds within their jurisdiction. Local police agencies can then aid parole officers in looking for these absconders. In addition, police officers will be forewarned of absconders and be better able to protect themselves with this knowledge.