A recent audit in Multnomah County highlights significant changes in the handling of minor parole violations. While the number of individuals jailed for minor parole violations has decreased since 2019, those who are incarcerated are facing notably longer stays.
Auditor Jennifer McGuirk pointed out that the increased jail time contradicts the push for a more rehabilitative approach.
“We want people to be successful when they’re on supervision,” McGuirk stated. “Because that’s better for our entire county to have people who are able to get the treatment they need, who are able to stay in housing, who are able to keep their jobs.”
In Multnomah County, the Department of Community Justice manages probation and re-entry services for individuals convicted in its circuit court. These services monitor conditions of supervision based on the individual’s crime severity and specific needs.
Technical violations, such as failing to report for supervision visits or changing residence without notifying a parole officer, are the most common infractions leading to sanctions. Despite the reduction in the number of individuals facing jail for these low-level violations, the average jail time per sanction surged from 5.5 days in 2019 to 15.2 days in 2023, according to the audit.
This dramatic increase raises questions about the efficacy of jail as a sanction for minor infractions. McGuirk noted that research in criminology and guidelines from the Department of Community Justice suggest that such sanctions do not yield positive outcomes.
The audit also revealed stark disparities in how sanctions are applied. Vulnerable groups, particularly Black and Native American individuals, faced disproportionate punishment. Those with mental health issues often experienced prolonged jail stays, averaging 14 days longer than individuals without such conditions.
Data collected from 2019 to 2024 indicated that many sanctions stem from individuals failing to meet reporting requirements. Those affected often included homeless individuals who struggle with access to communication tools and regular housing. In a sample of 91 sanctions issued during this period, 86 instances documented housing insecurity or homelessness.
The audit pointed out that the practice of issuing an “absconsion” can lead to increased jail time for supervision violations. Over half of the individuals classified as absconders between 2019 and 2023 had a documented mental health issue, and nearly half had histories of homelessness.
Further scrutiny revealed that 28% of the sanctioned individuals were Black, despite only representing 21% of the overall probation and parole population. Additionally, the revocation rates for probation and parole were higher among Black and Native American individuals compared to other racial groups.
Interviews conducted with individuals who have experienced supervision revealed that racial inequities significantly affected their treatment and outcomes.
The community justice department has been criticized for providing insufficient support services to those on supervision. The audit found that only 32% of individuals between 2019 and 2023 received documented referrals for assistance. Yet, those who did were less likely to face penalties.
Moreover, the availability of services tailored to specific cultural groups was limited, and there was a lack of clarity among department personnel regarding available resources for referrals.
In light of these findings, the auditor made 20 recommendations aimed at improving the system. Key suggestions included restricting jail time for technical violations to cases posing direct threats to public safety and establishing a public dashboard to track sanctions.
Other recommendations called for better documentation of support service referrals and a more effective grievance process for individuals under supervision. The auditor also urged for the advocacy of culturally specific programs and asked the Board of Commissioners to work on expanding housing options for the homeless and increasing inpatient mental health treatment availability.
County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, Chief Operating Officer Chis Neal, and Department of Community Justice Director Denise Peña have responded positively to the recommendations, stating their commitment to implementation. However, they also acknowledged limitations in addressing certain services, especially in mental health.
“We are committed to implementing the audit recommendations to best meet our community needs while upholding community safety,” they stated in their response.
As Multnomah County looks towards reforming its probation and parole systems, the audit serves as a crucial step in addressing the systemic issues that have been highlighted. The findings underscore the urgent need for equitable practices and improved support services to foster successful reintegration for those on probation or parole.
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