Selection

We chose Connecticut as the filming location because state officials offered unprecedented access, and its challenges and strategies reflect national trends. The Department of Corrections identified individuals who were scheduled to leave prison, on a rolling basis, and the producers interviewed and recruited a diverse group that included both men and women, and a variety of ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and criminal records.

Participants

• Bobby
• Dave
• Diomie
• Erroll
• Jessica G
• Jessica P
• Ramon
• Ricardo
• Rob
• Thelbert 'Nook'
• Vaughn

Filming

Professionally filmed by DCTV, the documentary also includes camera-phone footage filmed by the returning citizens themselves.

Purpose

Life on Parole adds a missing dimension to the recidivism story. More than half of inmates leaving prison in 2017 will return within three years. Governments at every level are wrestling with the attendant budgetary and social costs. Can reforms to the parole system integrate surveillance with support, and increase the odds of successful reentry? Personal stories framed by reporting and analysis bring the challenges — and the promise — of current reform initiatives to life.

Financing

Major funding was provided by a MacArthur Foundation Media grant, the Kellogg Foundation, Frontline. Frontline also contributed in-kind resources, and the New York Times assigned a videographer as well as reporters. Other funders include the Balser Family Foundation. DCTV and Purple States both contributed substantial amounts of unpaid time and other resources.

Editorial Control

The producers, Frontline, and the New York Times exercised exclusive editorial control.

Credits

• Producer/Director: Matthew O’Neill
• Co-producers: Jeff Arak, John Kennedy, Cynthia Farrar
• Videography: Matthew O’Neill, Jeff Arak
• For Frontline: Raney Aronson-Rath (executive producer), Frank Koughan (producer)
• For the New York Times: Shaila Dewan (editor), Kassie Bracken (videographer)
• (see the full list at the production page on Frontline)