Maryland’s system of incarceration is plagued by structural racism, inhumane conditions, and counterproductive policies and practices. One of these is a broken parole system that does not meet the public’s need for a system that is designed to promote successful reentry of returning citizens through a fair and reliable process. While invisible to most people, it is a process that affects thousands of Marylanders and their families every year.

WDC sees the administration of parole as central to our concerns about how we treat people who are charged with crimes and put behind the walls of Maryland prisons. It is vital that the criminal legal system recognize the capacity of people to change as well as the benefits of investing in rehabilitation and removing barriers to successful reintegration into the community.

State leaders concerned about fears of rising crime should prioritize comprehensive parole reform. Simple, long-overdue changes, like making release decisions more sensible and consistent, can restore hope among incarcerated people and their loved ones. This in turn builds respect for the criminal legal process, leads to higher levels of public safety, stronger families and communities, and makes better use of public resources.

The Maryland General Assembly (MGA) recently took an important step forward in removing the Governor from the parole process, a change that WDC strongly supported along with many of its advocacy partners. However, there are other systemic problems that demand action.

In May 2023, the Justice Policy Institute (JPI) issued a comprehensive study of Maryland parole practices and made recommendations for change. The report is called Safe at Home: Improving Maryland’s Parole Release Decision Making. There had been no such study of the Maryland parole system for 88 years—not since 1935.

To introduce the report, to hear from people directly affected by parole practices in Maryland, and to consider what might be done to help us achieve the goals of incarceration and parole, WDC and JPI are sponsoring a community discussion for Montgomery County residents. Joining JPI and WDC in sponsoring this event are the Maryland Alliance for Justice Reform (MAJR), Interfaith Action for Human Rights (IAHR), American University Washington College of Law’s Decarceration and Re-Entry Clinic, and UMD Law School’s Survivors of Gun Violence Clinic.

Confirmed speakers include Keith Wallington (JPI), Professor Lila Meadows (UMD Law School), Professor Olinda Moyd (AU Washington College of Law) and Senator Will Smith, (Chair of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee in the MGA), and Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (Chair of MD’s Legislative Black Caucus). Register for the event here.

Effectively addressing crime in Maryland is connected to understanding what is happening in the parole process and openly discussing what can and should be done. After nearly a century of indifference, it is time for Maryland to finally embrace the spirit and the intent of parole. We hope you will join the conversation on November 9.