Making Sense of Making Parole in New York

Author

Alexandra McGlinchy, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

2-2024

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

M.S.

Program

Data Analysis & Visualization

Advisor

Ellie Frymire

Subject Categories

Categorical Data Analysis | Criminology and Criminal Justice | Data Science | Law Enforcement and Corrections | Statistical Models

Keywords

Parole Reform, DOCCS, Elder Parole, Fair and Timely Parole

Abstract

For many individuals incarcerated in New York, the initial step toward freedom begins with an interview with the Board of Parole. This process, however, is frequently a complex and challenging one, characterized by repeated denials and extended incarcerations. The disparity in outcomes – where one individual may receive over 20 denials and another is granted parole on their first attempt – highlights the ambiguity and inconsistency in the parole decision-making process. This project aims to clarify the factors that influence parole decisions by concentrating on measurable variables. These include age, race, duration of sentence served, proportion of sentence served, type of interview, and the county of commitment.

By examining publicly available data from September 2021 to September 2023 on individuals who have undergone parole interviews, the project seeks to understand how these measurable factors might predict parole outcomes. In doing so, it aspires to provide a clearer and more objective view of a parole system that, too often, seems governed by variables that are difficult to quantify or predict.

Comments

Online component: https://amcglinchy.github.io/2yrs_interviews/

Recommended Citation

McGlinchy, Alexandra, "Making Sense of Making Parole in New York" (2024). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/5698