The division is responsible for maintaining an efficient and equitable parole system in New York State. Within the division, a 12-member board determines which inmates of State correctional facilities may be released on parole and under what conditions. In addition, the board has the power to revoke parole or conditional release status. The major functions of the division include individual parole social casework services, processing and evaluating information used in the decisionmaking process, and assisting the correctional staff with the development and operation of viable facility programs. The number of board hearings focusing on the minimum period of imprisonment increased by 75 percent from 1977 to 1978. This dramatic rise is attributable to a 1977 revision of the law, which requires that such hearings be held within 120 days of the offender's arrival at a correctional facility. The overall number of release hearings for the year includes initial parole release hearings, inmate reappearances for release, and re-release hearings for violators who have been reincarcerated. The total number of all release hearings declined by 9 percent during 1978. The number of final parole violation hearings held by the board declined by 48 percent, primarily because hearing officers began conducting these proceedings this year. The number of prison inmates granted release to parole supervision in 1978 was 5 percent less than it was in 1977. The effect of this board release trend on the size of the parolee population was nullified by a 7-percent increase in conditional releases to parole supervision. Fifty-four percent of these individuals were assigned to intensive parole supervision. The number of parolees who remained in the community without committing crimes or violating conditions of parole increased by 6 percent from 1977 to 1978. With regard to division achievements, this year's efforts were directed toward improving administrative policies of board functions, due process rights of parolees, and parole officer capability in dealing with violent offenders. Two figures, four tables, and an appended list of publications are provided in the report.