Freedom Waived: A Systematic Review of Research on People in Prison Who Forgo the Opportunity for Release on Parole

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic review of 18 studies about people in prison who forgo the opportunity for parole. Employing a Mixed Methods Research Synthesis, the review encompasses qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies that identify the factors and motivating reasons associated with parole waiver decisions, as well as recidivism outcomes for individuals who decide to forgo parole. Findings reveal a predominance of quantitative research that suggests that individuals who waive parole tend to be high-risk, violent offenders who are serving lengthy sentences. They are male, Indigenous, with a history of mental illness and/or substance addiction, and prior parole experience. Motivating reasons for avoiding parole include perceptions that prison is easier than parole and fear of parole denial and re-entry barriers. Studies also report less favourable recidivism outcomes for ‘maxed-out’ offenders. The study emphasises the necessity for additional in-depth research to understand motives and disincentives influencing parole engagement decisions. In particular, the need for research outside of North America and that uses sources other than administrative data is identified.