Parole has three principal functions. The first is the decision to release offenders from prison after they have served a period of time but before expiration of the maximum term. The second is a period of supervision in the community following release. The third is to determine whether the parolee's transition to the community is proving successful and to choose an appropriate response if repeated rule violations or new crimes indicate it is not. That response may include a revocation of parole and re-imprisonment. The parole board or paroling authority is an administrative agency within the executive branch of government. The authority of the board as it relates to each of these three functions varies from State to State. As a result of the rising prison population and subsequent overcrowding, paroling authorities are taking a more visible role as a public policymaking body within the total criminal justice system. 53 references.