Non-custodial sentences and the problem of their implementation: enforcement of parole system in Tanzania mainland

A tremendous rise of inmate population from 11,436 in 1965 to 47,014 in March 2004 coupled with the problems facing the implementation of non-custodial sentences inspired the present study. Parole, traceable from 16l & 17th centuries in the western world, was introduced in Tanzania mainland in 1994. It became effective from 2003/2004. Parole offers positive results by treating prisoners more humanely, meaning that, a person, who is susceptible to rehabilitation, must not be subjected to complete his full sentence in prison. The rationale behind parole and its objectives is to maintain the prisoner’s human dignity by creating future expectations, inducing disciplined behaviour through the possible earlier release and prevention of some prisoner’s pitiful decline into negativism. It presents a logical stage in the rehabilitation process by returning prisoners to the community for a probationary period of time and to protecting it. Presently, parole is suffering from its infancy and unpopularity. There is no adequate education provided to parole enforcers and to the beneficiaries. As a result, the demand for retribution is still strong. Notwithstanding, up to April 2004 parole had obtained 473 parolees out of 568 applicants. This amounts to 83.27% performance. Presently, there are 299 applications waiting for the minister’s final decision. It is recommended that education, office facilities, transport facilities, supervision allowances and adequate staffing should be provided and the parole law be revisited in relation to parole conditions, the powers conferred to the minister, court, victims of crimes and the formulation of the Parole Board Secretariats.