Some criticisms of parole are that it should be abolished, that it is ineffective, that parole decisions are made by bureaucrats, that parole is automatically granted, and that parole reduces the sentences imposed by the courts. These and other criticisms of parole are answered by the National Parole Board in statements which indicate that parole is not automatically granted, that it yields a high completion rate without recidivism, that it is cautiously used to protect the community, and that it ensures offender supervision until completion of the full sentence imposed by the court. Other questions and answers focus on the nature of parole, the parole board's mandate, the constituency of the board, the principles underlying parole, parole eligibility, and factors in parole decisionmaking. Also reviewed are the parole success rate, the meaning of a life sentence when parole is granted, and the nature of mandatory supervision. Procedures for identifying high-risk inmates are outlined. The booklet lists the addresses and phone numbers of the headquarters and regional offices of the board.