Parole Board Decision for Thomas Elton

Parole Board Decision for Robert Thomas Elton

The objective of this study is to examine the possibility of parole for Thomas Robert Elton, an individual presently incarcerated for the commission of crimes and specifically the offenses of Burglary and Murder.

Description

Robert Thomas Elton

DOB -- 05-30-1955

Offense(s) -- Burglary, Murder I, previous property offense

Recommendations of Other authorities -- Psychiatrist Recommends Parole

Facts of the Case

(1) Robert Thomas Elton was sentenced to Life in Prison on July 15, 1976 for the murder of another inmate.

(2) Robert Thomas Elton was originally imprisoned for breaking and entering and received a 2 1/2-year sentence and has previous convictions including property offense and robbery.

(3) Robert Thomas Elton's life sentence for murder commenced October 28, 1977.

(4) The inmate has a history of substance abuse including the use of heroin and cocaine, for which he tested positive during previous release on parole and his parole suspended. The board however, found that his risk of reoffense was low and the suspension cancelled.

(5) Robert Thomas Elton is reported to have appeared before the National Parole Board for Day/Full Parole Review March 2, 1993 and was denied both but was prepared to consider appropriately developed unescorted temporary absence release plan.

(6) On April 4, 1993 Robert Thomas Elton appeared before the National Parole Board for Unescorted Temporary Absences and the board voted to grant the three-day absences for April 15, 16, and 17, 1993, with an approved citizen escort and additional conditions. At that time the Board stated it was not prepared to authorize UTAs to attend community substance abuse meetings. The purpose of Mr. Robert Thomas Elton's UTA was to attend a three-day conference sponsored by the Western Association of Sociology and Anthropology in Vancouver, B.C.

(7) Robert Thomas Elton has demonstrated his willingness to seek counseling on alcohol and drug abuse and demonstrates compliant behavior in other areas as well. (NPB Pre-Release Decision Sheet, 1995)

The following facts are available on this individual relating to his potential release on parole:

(1) Counseling -- Robert Thomas Elton was instructed to seek counseling on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

(2) Support services -- Robert Thomas Elton has investigated NA and AA meetings in the Westminster area and would attend sessions at 1111 6th Avenue on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings.

(3) Work Preparation and Job Training -- Robert Thomas Elton has plans to attend the Alternatives in Action Center on Commercial Drive in Vancouver to bring his skills up-to-date.

(4) Educational Development -- Robert Thomas Elton desires to register for classes.

(5) Leisure activity -- Robert Thomas Elton has a stained glass hobby which he would pursue along with his counseling and educational activities. (NPB Pre-Release Decision Sheet, 1995)

Summary of Decision by Parole Board

This individual has taken responsibility for his crimes and has worked hard to address his psychological and criminological risk factors as well as his substance and alcohol abuse risk factors. He has parents that are supportive of his reintegration into society and the community in which he will live is supportive. In addition, Robert Thomas Elton has been on Day release since 1994 and has progressed well with this and has had no violations and has remained compliant.

It appears that Robert Thomas Elton's past offenses were alcohol and drug-related offenses therefore there are conditions of Parole that address these risks. (NPB Pre-Release Decision Sheet, 1995)

Conditions of Parole

Specific conditions for parole of this individual include the following stated requirements:

(1) Must seek, obtain, and maintain employment;

(2) Robert Thomas Elton, his residence, and his property are subject to search at any time without notice;

(3) Must keep parole agent notified of where he is living and working;

(4) Any change of address or employment must be given in advance to parole agent;

(5) If Robert Thomas Elton travels more than 50 miles from home the parole agent must be notified;

(6) Written permission required to be out of county for more than 48 hours;

(7) Must not possess or be near any firearms, knives or other weapons;

(8) Associating with gang members or criminal organizations is forbidden.

(9) May not possess or be near any illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia.

(10) Required to refrain from drinking alcohol.

(11) May not associate with persons on parole or probation, or inmates in a penitentiary.

(12) Must submit to drug testing.

(13) Required to submit to electronic monitoring.

(14) Must submit to mental health or substance abuse treatment.

(15) Must obey your parole agent's instructions and conditions of parole at all times, or you can be arrested and returned to prison. (Parole Board Orders)

Concerns and Recommendations of Parole Board

The parole board is concerned about the drug and alcohol-related risk factors for this individual therefore, electronic monitoring will be in place for the first 12 months of parole of this individual. The parolee will be closely monitored in terms of his associations and the places that he frequents during his first 12 months of parole. After having completed 12 months of successful parole, this case will again be reviewed as to whether the individual is appropriately ready to be removed from electronic monitoring. (NPB Pre-Release Decision Sheet, 1995)

Justifications and Basis of Decision

This individual has completed all required prerequisites for parole and is aware of his own limitations and has demonstrated the willingness and ability to exert great effort in mitigating these risks so he can comply with the requirements of parole. In addition, this individual has taken responsibility for his actions and understands the grave nature of the actions for which he has been incarcerated.

The Urban Institute Press relates that the reintegration of prisoners returning to society in addition to bringing about a reduction in criminal behavior is the "explicit objectives of this system of supervised transition from prison to community." (2012) In fact the express reason for supervised parole is the rehabilitation of offenders. These programs are geared toward the provision of the level of support required to successfully reintegrate prisoners into mainstream society while reducing their individual risks during reentry and adjustment to community and family life as well as their reentry into the workforce. (Urban Institute Press, 2012)