The Board requests further technical assistance with Dr. James Austin to review and determine if revisions to the Board’s parole guidelines levels 1, 3, 4, and 7 are merited. Currently, parole guidelines level 1 shows a 0-5% probability rate for success. The Board’s statistics show that voting members’ are voting more than the 5% rate. Additionally, level 7 shows a 76-100% probability rate for success. The data shows the majority of the voting members are unable to attain this rate. In reviewing level 3 (16-25% probability rate for success) and level 4 (21-35% probability rate for success), the data shows the voting member’s are releasing more offenders in the level 3 category than the level 4 category.
Currently, parole guidelines level 1 shows a 0-5% probability rate for success. The Board’s statistics show that voting members’ are voting more than the 5% rate. Additionally, level 7 shows a 76-100% probability rate for success. The data shows the majority of the voting members are unable to attain this rate. In reviewing level 3 (16-25% probability rate for success) and level 4 (21-35% probability rate for success), the data shows the voting member’s are releasing more offenders in the level 3 category than the level 4 category.
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The Bureau of Justice approved technical assistance to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Subsequently, Dr. James Austin was selected as the technical advisor.
Through the BOJ’s assistance, Dr. Austin traveled to Austin, Texas and submitted a presentation to the Sunset Advisory Commission, legislators and their legislative aides at the Austin State Capitol. The presentation focused on the Board's percentage rates relevant to the Board’s current Parole Guidelines Matrix system. Dr. Austin provided statistical data relevant to the voting members’ overall voting percentage rates. The rates used by the voting members are a gauge in determining which offenders have a higher/lower rate of recidivism. This information is particularly beneficial to new voters. Dr. Austin, based on his review of voting members release rates, indicated the Board is clearly following their parole guidelines, as intended. Dr. Austin also stated that while the percentage rates should be made available to the voting members, there is no justification for making these rates accessible to the public or any other entity, as they are merely a gauge. Dr. Austin concluded by stating that there are no Parole Boards in the United States that grant accessibility of their percentage rates to the public.
Dr. Austin’s presentation to all entities present proved to be beneficial to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. His presentation focused on the Board’s voting members’ statistics relevant to the use of their parole guidelines and its correlation to the number of offenders released into the community on parole. Dr. Austin indicated the results of the voting members’ statistics further enhanced the Board’s credibility on the use and implementation of their parole guidelines.
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Providers selected for consideration (previously 'Selected Providers' field):
Selected Provider 1: James Austin, Ph.D.
Bid: 10000.00
Chosen Provider: James Austin, Ph.D.