Functions, powers and duties of the Parole Board

(1) The functions of the Board include making decisions regarding6 [CAP. (a) the release on parole of an offender eligible for (b) the remission, suspension or variation of any condition of parole of any parolee, or imposition on any such parolee of any additional condition of parole. (2) In considering any case for parole, the Board may request any person, including the offender himself, to provide information or to make representations which in the Board’s opinion, may be of assistance in reaching a decision. (3) In considering any case for parole, the Board shall take into account– (a) the nature and circumstances of the offence for which the applicant was convicted and sentenced; (b) the sentence imposed by the court and any comments made by the court when the sentence was imposed; (c) the safety of the public, and of any person or class of persons who may be affected by the release of the offender; (d) any representations made by the victim of the offence or any person acting on his behalf, or of the relatives of the victim of the offence, or anyone acting on their behalf; (e) any representations made by the offender or any person acting on his behalf; (f) the welfare of the offender and his reformation and training while in the prison; 7 (g) the probable circumstances of the offender if released, especially the likelihood of his peaceful reintegration into society; (h) the likely response of the offender to supervision by the parole officer; (i) the reasonable probability that the offender will live and remain at liberty without violating laws; and (j) any other factor that the Board may consider relevant in reaching a decision.