About parole

Parole is the conditional release of a prisoner from custody. Non-parole periods are set by the court at the time a prisoner or offender is sentenced.

The Parole Board determine the suitability and eligibility of prisoners applying for parole. The Parole Board is in an Independent Statuary authority. Community corrections centres supervise offenders who are released from prison on parole.

Parole is designed to help prisoners reintegrate into the community whilst under a structured supervision regime.

Offenders who commit a crime while on parole or breach their parole conditions risk being sent back to jail to serve the balance of their sentence.

Automatic parole

Prisoners with a non-parole period of less than five years are automatically released by the Parole Board within 30 days of the end of the non-parole period.

Automatic release does not apply to prisoners who committed:

  • an offence while on parole
  • a sexual offence
  • a personal violence offence
  • a serious offence with a firearm, or
  • arson.

Prisoners who committed these sentences or whose sentences are longer than five years must apply to the Parole Board for consideration to be released. The Parole Board seek input from police and victims of crime to determine suitability for parole.

The Parole Board will notify the prisoner in writing of their decision.

If non-parole period is not set then parole is not an option.

Prisoners who committed these sentences or those who sentences are longer than five years must apply to the parole board for consideration to be released. The Parole Board will seek input from police and victims of crime in determining suitability for parole.

The following bodies can request that Parole Board decisions to release prisoners serving a life sentence are reviewed:

  • the Attorney-General
  • the Commissioner for Victims' Rights
  • The Commissioner of Police.

Enhanced Community Corrections

Not all offenders are treated the same. High risk offenders receive more intensive supervision and case management than lower risk offenders.

Risk is determined by many criteria including:

  • history of offences
  • submissions from SA Police and victims of crime
  • available reports including sentencing remarks
  • court and parole board conditions, and
  • factors such as antisocial behaviour and substance abuse.

The Department for Correctional Services does not grant parole. We manage the offender and report breaches to the Parole Board