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Louisiana Parole System Relies on Algorithm, Raising Concerns Over Fairness
A recent report has revealed that the Louisiana government is utilizing TIGER (Targeted Interventions to Greater Enhance Re-entry), a software program conceived at Louisiana State University, to assess parole eligibility. This algorithm, designed to predict recidivism, assigns inmates a risk score based on pre-incarceration data, such as employment history, past convictions, and age at the time of their initial arrest. Originally intended as a tool to aid in inmate rehabilitation by considering individual backgrounds, the TIGER score is now reportedly the primary factor in granting or denying parole applications in Louisiana.
Parole Hearings Canceled Based on “Risk” Scores
Interviews with multiple inmates indicate that scheduled parole hearings were abruptly canceled after their TIGER scores classified them as posing a “moderate risk” of returning to prison. Criminal justice advocates are expressing alarm, noting that the TIGER scoring system neglects an inmate’s conduct during incarceration or efforts towards rehabilitation. These critics further contend that the algorithm disproportionately penalizes individuals based on their racial and demographic backgrounds.
Concerns Over Algorithmic Bias and Inmate Demographics
State Department of Corrections figures suggest that roughly half of Louisiana’s incarcerated population of about 13,000 would automatically fall into the moderate or high-risk categories according to the current algorithm. This raises serious questions about systemic bias and the equitable application of parole.
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Case Example: Inmate Denied Parole Despite Rehabilitation Efforts
One case highlighted is that of Calvin Alexander, a 70-year-old partially blind, wheelchair-bound inmate who has served 20 years. Despite actively participating in drug rehabilitation, anger management counseling, and vocational training programs, and maintaining a spotless disciplinary record, Alexander was denied parole. As he expressed, inmates feel a sense of hopelessness, believing they are powerless to influence their sentence through positive actions.
Legislative Shift Towards Algorithm-Driven Parole
The implementation of algorithmic parole in Louisiana is not merely permissible; it is a central component of Governor Jeff Landry’s policy initiatives against parole. Last year, Governor Landry enacted legislation eliminating parole for all individuals convicted of crimes committed after August 1st, 2024. This made Louisiana the first state in 24 years to abolish parole. Subsequent legislation mandated that currently incarcerated individuals are only eligible for parole if the TIGER algorithm assesses them as “low risk,” solidifying the program’s decisive role in parole decisions.