The report first reviews parole policies in States that have 'abolished' parole, with 'abolishment' referring to major alterations that may not have eliminated all aspects of parole. The Federal plan to abolish the U.S. Parole Commission is also described. A review of State policies to reinstate and expand parole to deal with prison crowding is followed by descriptions of parole board structures and parole board members' salaries by State. Other topics discussed are parole guidelines; the appointment of parole boards; parole hearings; and opinions about parole among the public, judges, attorneys, and parole officials. Overall, major factors influencing parole changes include policy shifts to punishment, incapacitation, and victims' rights; paroling authorities' ability to justify their functions and decisions based upon defensible criteria; and the presence of influential political figures, special interest groups, or media that criticize parole. Whether or not parole is retained, abolished, or modified in a State, paroling authorities should develop more objective decisionmaking procedures and more effective supervision methods. 3 sources for additional information.