800px-Parole,_Inc._(1948)_posterAfter my experience of going to Europe and meeting with dozens of probation officers who think like social workers with a social conscience, it was refreshing to read  an interview with a NY parole agent who seemed to be able to actually talk honestly about the absurdity of parole conditions and the challenges faced by people trying to transition from prison to the community. In this wide ranging interview, he touched briefly on electronic monitoring. He said: “Show me one scientific document that links GPS to anything other than making money for GPS, Inc.” Amen. He also pointed out that the most absurd condition of parole, and one which is almost universal, is the regulation that blocks people from associating with other folks who have a criminal history or are on parole themselves.  These are the very people who can provide guidance and support to those trying to walk the righteous path. Yet, the infinite wisdom of this law categorizes everyone on parole or with a criminal background as another serious offense waiting to happen, rather than a human being trying to change.

Read the entire interview here: https://www.themarshallproject.org/2015/01/22/i-spend-just-as-much-time-protecting-felons-from-society?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_source=opening-statement&utm_term=newsletter-20150122-97