Audit of the Massachusetts Parole Board

This is a state performance audit of the Massachusetts Parole Board covering July 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019.

“This report details the audit objectives, scope, methodology, findings, and recommendations for the audit period, July 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019.”

Auditors looked at whether the Parole Board properly assessed parolee risks and needs, followed grant requirements, and handled reentry services and paperwork.

“In this performance audit, we examined MPB’s parolee risk and needs assessments, the fiscal year 2017 Smart Supervision Program, and reentry services provided to parolees.”

If reassessments are late, the board may not know whether a parolee’s risk level or support needs have changed.

“Without performing timely reassessments of parolees, MPB cannot determine whether their risks or needs have changed.”

For the public, this matters because parole supervision is meant to support successful reentry while protecting community safety.

“We serve the public, victims, inmates, parolees, and petitioners throughout the Commonwealth by conducting face-to-face parole release hearings, supervising parolees in the community, providing notice and assistance to victims, and providing reentry services to offenders leaving custody with no mandated post-release supervision.”

The board passed the grant-related review, but auditors found problems with reassessment timing and missing documentation for reentry forms.

“Did MPB comply with all the requirements of the fiscal year 2017 Smart Supervision Program?”

Auditors recommended that supervisors check overdue reassessments monthly and that the board keep records of all reentry forms given to parolees.

“MPB should maintain records of all reentry forms provided to parolees at the time of their release.”

Missing paperwork can mean the board cannot prove parolees got the rules and forms they needed, which could lead to confusion about parole conditions.

“As a result, parolees may be unaware of their parole conditions and may unintentionally reoffend.”

A risk and needs assessment is a tool used to help judge a person’s risk and needs when parole decisions are being made.

“The assessment is a tool to assess incarcerated individuals who seek parole; it contributes to MPB’s decisions about approval or denial of parole.”