2. Policy on requests for early consideration of applications for parole under section 26(2)

Introduction:          

Section 26(2) provides for an offender to apply to the Board to exercise its discretion to consider the offender for parole (the Board having already declined one or more applications for parole) earlier than required by the Act.

Section 26: 

(1) The policy of the Board is that all applications under section 26(2) will be dealt with by a panel of the Board ‘on the papers’.

(2)  Each application will be dealt with as soon as practicable.

(3)  In dealing with the application, the panel will consider the request from the offender and review the application and the offender’s file.  The panel will then make its decision.  There will be no formal hearing either attended or unattended.

(4)  If the Board approves the application, then a Board hearing will be   scheduled as soon as practicable, bearing in mind the time required for necessary reports to be made available. 

Sir David Carruthers

Chairperson

New Zealand Parole Board

 Reviewed and confirmed as amended 21 December 2009.