Parole is a critical component of the criminal legal system in Alaska; we must ensure that the Board of Parole operates fairly and gives all incarcerated people the opportunity to achieve parole. Recent trends have demonstrated that many parole applicants are not getting a fair shake. People who have demonstrated that they can return safely to their communities are being denied arbitrarily and without explanation. Alaska’s criminal justice system is based on the premise of rehabilitation alongside punishment. When a person serves their time, takes responsibility for their offense, and puts together a plan to return to their community, they deserve a meaningful opportunity to do so.
