Program of Intensive Supervision as a Condition of Parole

NRS 213.124 – The Imposition of a Program of Intensive Supervision as a Condition of Parole; Chief To Develop a Program to Include Electronic Supervision of Parolee

When a prisoner is granted parole, it usually does not mean they re-enter society unencumbered and completely free to resume their old life. In fact, one of the objectives of the Nevada correctional system is to ensure a prisoner does not immediately revert to their old ways and is afforded the opportunity to embark on a new, more fulfilling journey.

How a Prisoner Qualifies for Parole

According to NRS 213.1215, a prisoner may be released on parole if:

1. They have no other consecutive sentence awaiting them, other than the sentence on review for parole.
2. The prisoner has not been released on parole before, having been sentenced for a jail term of 3 years or more.
3. The prisoner is suitable and eligible for parole.

Overview of Parole in Nevada

When someone is sentenced to serve a term in prison in Nevada, they may have the opportunity to get out early “on parole.” When a person is released on parole, they are required to adhere to a specific set of daily, weekly and monthly requirements. Examples of typical parole conditions include:

• maintaining a job;
• staying away from drugs and alcohol;
• living in a halfway house;
• checking in with a parole officer regularly, and/or
• submitting to unannounced drug and alcohol tests

Length of Time Someone is on Parole

A standard parole period lasts between one and three years, but the length of time can vary depending on the type and severity of the criminal offense. As long as the individual follows all the terms of parole, the person can remain out of police custody. However, if the person violates any terms of parole, the Nevada Parole Board can sentence them back to prison.

Strict Supervision

One strategy used by the Nevada Parole Board to try and ensure a prisoner released on parole does not immediately go back to their old life is to require a prisoner recently granted parole to agree to intense and strict supervision. This standard is set forth in NRS 213.124. Here is the specific statutory language:

1. Upon the granting of parole to a prisoner, the Board may require the parolee to submit to a program of intensive supervision as a condition of his or her parole.
2. The Chief shall develop a program for the intensive supervision of parolees required to submit to such a program pursuant to subsection 1. The program must include an initial period of electronic supervision of the parolee with an electronic device approved by the Division. The device must be minimally intrusive and limited in capability to recording or transmitting information concerning the parolee s presence at his or her residence, including, but not limited to, the transmission of still visual images which do not concern the parolee s activities while inside his or her residence. A device which is capable of recording or transmitting:

(a) Oral or wire communications or any auditory sound; or

(b) Information concerning the parolee s activities while inside his or her residence, must not be used.