New York parole reform advocates will hold a press conference today in Albany to ask legislators to end permanent punishment, promote rehabilitation and healing, and help build safer communities. 

Albany will not be the only location for this rally; speakers will also be in New York City, Rochester, and Long Island. All are asking for the passage of the elder parole and fair and timely parole bills. Advocates say promoting personal transformation, not endless punishment, will help improve safe communities for all.

According to a study, one in every four incarcerated people in New York state is over 50 years old about 7,600 people. This is up from 12 percent in 2008. making the prison population older, on average, than the state.

Many have already served at least 15 years and are parole-eligible, yet face denial based solely on their crime of conviction instead of who the person is today. Carol Shapiro is a retired parole board member.

“That people in prison are also connected to families and communities,” Shapiro said. “And one of the things we see from people who get out of prison. The research is clear on this: they are not likely to reoffend at all. Secondly, many of them go home to their  communities and families and do tremendous good.”

Advocates are seeking the restoration of the parole board to its original purpose of just evaluating a person’s readiness for release rather than denying them solely based on their conviction.

According to a study at Hunter College, the prison healthcare system is more equipped to address physical trauma rather than the management of chronic conditions associated with older ages. As a result, many chronic conditions go untreated.

TeAna Taylor is an advocate and is a child of an incarcerated father. Taylor said these individuals should be seen as people, not just their crimes. 

“They’re human beings who can take accountability and change completely,” Taylor said.“If someone were to have met my father right now, then they would see someone who’s caring, who’s loving, who wants to be a community figure and do what’s right for his children, and everyone around him truly.”

The rally will happen at the state house on Wednesday from 11 am to noon in Albany.