Implementation of the Parole Violation Decision Making Instrument (PVDMI)

Implementation of the Parole Violation Decision Making Instrument (PVDMI)

Kenneth Black

California Lutheran University

Implementation and Analysis of Public Policy

MPPA 595

Sandy Smith

August 13, 2009

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Implementation of the Parole Violation Decision Making Instrument (PVDMI)

This paper will focus on the Parole Violation Decision Making Instrument (PVDMI) which is a tool used by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations' (CDCR), Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) and is currently being implemented statewide as a means to bring consistency to the parole violation process. By making the parole revocation process consistent throughout the state; CDCR is expected to save billions is incarceration cost. In evaluating the program the following areas will be examined: The content of the policy, the actors and institutions involved, the policy guidelines and the implementation process.

CDCR's Mission Statement

"We enhance public safety through safe and secure incarceration of offenders, effective parole supervision, and rehabilitative strategies to successfully reintegrate offenders into our communities" (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, 2009, ¶ 2).

English: Aerial view of San Quentin State Prison, ...

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CDCR Locations map

PVDMI is the result of years of debate starting with the 2003 Little Hoover Commissions report to then Governor Gray Davis, titled "Back to the Community: Safe and Sound Parole Policies". The commission made the following recommendations:

The State should make better use of the resources currently spent re-incarcerating parole violators and provide more public safety by developing a range of interventions for failing parolees (Little Hoover Commission, 2003).

Specifically, the State should: Use structured decision-making. The State should establish clear, transparent and binding guidelines for parole revocation to provide consistency and accountability in the revocation process. This could be the first step in implementing a broader range of responses that are cost-effective and protect the public (Little Hoover...