S - Z Definitions
Sentences (Types of)
DeterminateA sentence that only has a maximum length of time. The inmate is eligible for parole at any time. The exception being a mandatory sentence, where an inmate must serve the complete sentence in custody. The Board has no authority over these cases.
Indeterminate
A sentence with a minimum and maximum sentence
Sex Offender
An adult placed under, or made subject to, supervision as the result of the commission of a criminal offense and released to the community under the jurisdiction of courts, paroling authorities, corrections, or other criminal justice agencies, and who is required to register as a sex offender either in the sending or receiving state and who is required to request transfer of supervision under the provisions of the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision.
Sexually Violent Predator (SVP)
This is a designation made by the sentencing court
Sexual Offenders Assessment Board
The Sexual Offenders Assessment Board (SOAB) is an independent board who conducts risk assessments of sexual offenders.
Short Minimum Case
Any inmate received at classification centers at the State Correctional Institution at Camp Hill or Muncy are identified as a Short Minimum Case if the minimum sentence is 12 months or less from date of commitment.
Short Sentence Parole (SSP)
Under Act 115 of 2019 (or the Justice Reinvestment Initiative 2 (JRI2)), Short Sentence Parole allows the Parole Board to parole an individual without requiring an interview at the end of the person’s minimum date or RRRI minimum date, whichever is shorter. If the person eligible for SSP was committed to a DOC facility after the expiration of his/her minimum date, the Parole Board will approve the person for parole without requiring an interview within 30 days after commitment to the facility.
SID Number (State Identification number)
A number based on fingerprints assigned by the Pennsylvania State Police to each person arrested within the Commonwealth
Special Conditions
A specific and individualized condition of probation/parole imposed upon a parolee by the PA Parole Board, the sentencing court and/or field supervision staff. The special condition is in addition to the General Conditions 37 Pa. Code § 63.5
Special Parole
A conditional release from a sentence imposed by a court having criminal jurisdiction, when sentenced to a maximum period of less than two years, where the court may by special order direct supervision by the Board pursuant to 61 Pa.C.S. § 6132(a)(2)(i) & (ii) and 37 Pa. Code §§ 65.1 – 65.7. The court having criminal jurisdiction retains revocation authority
Special Probation/Parole Condition
A specific and individualized parole condition imposed upon a parolee by the PA Parole Board which is in addition to the general parole conditions that are applicable to all parolees and is usually prescribed for an individual primarily on the basis of the treatment and supervision needs of the parolee
Special Probation
A probation imposed by a court having criminal jurisdiction where the court by special order directs supervision by the Board pursuant to 61 Pa.C.S. § 6133(a) and 37 Pa. Code §§ 65.1 – 65.7. The court having criminal jurisdiction retains revocation authority
Specialized CCC/CCF
Specialized Community Corrections Centers and Contract Facilities provide a structured transition from incarceration to the community for violent parolees as ordered by the Board
State Intermediate Punishment (SIP)
A program designed for individuals convicted of a drug offense. Offenders will serve a flat 24 month sentence. At least 7 months will be served in an SCI and for the remainder of the sentence, the inmate will be in a community correction center under the Department of Corrections supervision. The Parole Board has no authority over these cases
State Sentence Detainer
A warrant for the service of a sentence that is under the release jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Parole Board
Street Time
The period of conditional liberty and freedom from confinement on a particular sentence that a parolee enjoys during which time the parolee is in compliance with the terms and conditions of probation or parole
Subpoena
A writ commanding a person to appear at a hearing at a certain time and place to give testimony on a certain matter
Supersedeas
The name of a writ containing a command to stay the proceeding at law, applicable only to the enforcement of a judgment from which an appeal is taken
Supervision
The authority or oversight exercised by supervising authorities of a sending or receiving state over a parolee for a period of time determined by a court or releasing authority, during which the parolee is required to report to or be monitored by supervising authorities, and includes any condition, qualification, special condition or requirement imposed on the person at the time of the parolee’s release to the community or during the period of supervision in the community
Technical Parole Violator
A parolee who violates probation or parole by a breach of the terms and conditions, other than a new misdemeanor or felony crime.
Time Lost
Time for which the parolee cannot receive credit because he/she was in delinquent status or serving another sentence and, therefore, not available to serve the original sentence.
Treatment
- Inpatient: Treatment provided in which the person resides at the program
- Partial: Treatment provided in which the person resides in an approved residence and attends treatment either daily or several times per week
- Outpatient: Treatment in which the person resides in an approved residence and attends treatment on a lesser frequency than partial
Underlapping Concurrent Sentence
A sentence that is served at the same time as the controlling sentence but has a shorter minimum and/or maximum sentence than the controlling sentence.
Unexpired Term
The period of time the person has remaining on the unserved portion of his or her original sentence.
Urinalysis
Screening tests for the presence of controlled substances, designer drugs or alcohol that are conducted by collecting and testing urine samples.
Waiver
The voluntary relinquishment, in writing, of a known constitutional right or other right, claim or privilege by the individual
Warrant
An order for arrest
When Available
“When available” means the Parole Board cannot consider a person for parole because of outstanding criminal charges or a new conviction that must be disposed of before the current sentence (and parole status) can be finalized. The inmate is determined to “be available” when the PA Parole Board receives an official version of the disposition of charges (records from the court)