Evaluation: Short Sentence Parole saved bed days and produced net savings with similar recidivism

The Commission on Sentencing’s research unit presented its second evaluation of the Department of Corrections’ Short Sentence Parole (SSP) program and summarized five years of outcomes.

Brett Miller, lead researcher, told commissioners the program was designed to expedite release for eligible nonviolent inmates (aggregate minimums no more than two years) and to save correctional bed days by releasing people at their minimum sentence date without the traditional parole interview. He said SSP releases are generally more likely to be female, white and from smaller counties and that participation in voluntary programming is lower for SSP participants because of shorter incarcerations, though mandatory programs are prioritized and completion rates are high when started.

On recidivism, Miller reported three‑year follow‑up comparisons showing similar overall recidivism rates (about 25%) between SSP participants and comparison groups; SSP participants were less likely to commit violent crimes and more likely to commit misdemeanors when reoffending. Regarding costs, the evaluation estimated about 74,000 bed days saved annually and calculated a net state correctional system savings of approximately $2,450,000 per year after accounting for increased parole supervision costs.

"There's a net savings of 2,450,000.00 each year to the state correctional system," Miller said. He added that SSP releases are being released earlier and that the program has increased efficiency without evidence of increased public‑safety risk in the evaluated measures.

Staff said a draft of the final report will be shared with commissioners and submitted to the legislature (due Dec. 18).