Which institution is associated with the introduction of the first parole system in the United States?

Which institution is associated with the introduction of the first parole system in the United States?

• A. Elmira Reformatory
• B. Norfolk Island Penal Colony
• C. Alcatraz
• D. Sing Sing

Answer: (A)

The Elmira Reformatory in New York introduced the first formal parole system in the United States. Opened in 1876 under Zebulon Brockway, it emphasized rehabilitation and used indeterminate sentencing, allowing inmates to be released before serving their full sentence based on demonstrated progress and good conduct. Releases were conditional and followed by supervision, which is the essence of parole. This approach became the model for parole practices nationwide. The other options aren’t correct in this context: Norfolk Island Penal Colony is in Australia, not the United States, and Alcatraz and Sing Sing are later U.S. prisons that did not originate the parole concept.

The Elmira Reformatory in New York introduced the first formal parole system in the United States. Opened in 1876 under Zebulon Brockway, it emphasized rehabilitation and used indeterminate sentencing, allowing inmates to be released before serving their full sentence based on demonstrated progress and good conduct. Releases were conditional and followed by supervision, which is the essence of parole. This approach became the model for parole practices nationwide. The other options aren’t correct in this context: Norfolk Island Penal Colony is in Australia, not the United States, and Alcatraz and Sing Sing are later U.S. prisons that did not originate the parole concept.