RESOLUTION ON TRUTH IN SENTENCING
WHEREAS, greater credibility with the public and more predictability of sentences imposed and other community sanctions are goals of both the "truth-in-sentencing" advocates and parole boards; and
WHEREAS, "truth-in-sentencing" should be perceived as the method by which a criminal sentence is defined rather than as a form of sentencing; and
WHEREAS, in order to ensure that "truth-in-sentencing" has the same meaning to all who advocate its use, it must be properly defined and explained; and
WHEREAS, in order for the public to know the "truth" about a sentence, it should provide for a period of expected community sanctions and/or incarceration plus a period of time that Carl be adjusted according to the offender's performance in prison, thus providing for incentives and consequences which reflect adjustments for risk to the public safety. There also can be a period of time during which the offender is supervised in the community in order that the offender can mare likely be reintegrated or returned to prison if there is a danger to public safety; and
WHEREAS, the parole board or other similar releasing authority is the visible, accountable and independent decision-making body that is necessary to ensure implementation of the sentence in a way which maximizes public safety; and
WHEREAS, all such sentences are a limitation of freedom or other form of correctional control and thus must be defined as encompassing simple incarceration as well as split incarceration, community corrections, post-release supervision and/or any other sanctions that may be imposed; and
WHEREAS, in order to be truthful regarding any sentence, the terms of the sentence must be understandable, the public must be able to comprehend the sentence as it relates to the original crime, and any activity which goes with the sentence, such as incentives or consequences that shorten or lengthen the sentence, must be clearly stated and open for public accountability; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the concept of "truth-in-sentencing "is supported by the Association of Paroling Authorities, International, provided it is properly defined as outlined in this resolution.
Adopted April 30, 2008