ACLUNV Report on Broken Probation and Parole System in Nevada

LAS VEGAS, NV – Today, the ACLU of Nevada (ACLUNV) released a report on Nevada’s broken parole and probation system titled, Stuck Behind Bars: Exploring Reasons Why Parole Eligible Inmates in Nevada Remain Incarcerated. 43 inmates were surveyed in Nevada’s Department of Corrections (NDOC) system and the report exposes a huge disparity between what the state claims to be doing through the Division of Parole and Probation (NDPP) process, and the actual experiences of inmates subjected to the supposed process.

“It is clear from the results of the survey that neither NDOC nor the NDPP are providing the necessary resources for inmates to properly prepare for the transition to life outside of prison,” said Amy Rose, legal director. “Inmates who are eligible, and want to participate in parole are often denied this opportunity because of a lack of resources and guidance. The State is both failing the prisoner population, and wasting taxpayer money by paying to house inmates for longer than necessary.”

“The differences between what state NDOC/NDPP officials are reporting, and what inmates reveal as their experiences is troubling. The State’s own internal review revealed a seriously delinquent program a decade ago. Since then, NDOC and NDPP have assured Nevadans that those problems with these programs were corrected; clearly they were not, as we discovered through our survey, said Tod Story, executive director. “Our State leaders must review these programs again and identify the deficiencies we discovered and create a plan to address them. Nevada parolees and taxpayers deserve better.”

The report is available online at the ACLUNV website: www.aclunv.org/reports

The ACLU of Nevada is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to the defense and advancement of civil liberties and civil rights for all people in Nevada.