The Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole (PBPP) supervises roughly 100,000 people on parole and probation across the state. If your loved one has been released from state prison on parole, or is on state supervision, this guide explains what supervision looks like in practice.
Standard Supervision Conditions
Every person released on state parole in Pennsylvania signs a set of standard parole conditions. These typically include:
- Regular reporting to a parole agent (frequency depends on risk classification).
- Remaining within the approved district or county unless travel is approved.
- Maintaining stable housing and notifying the agent of any address change.
- Maintaining employment or participating in an approved program.
- Abstaining from alcohol and illegal drugs (with testing).
- Not possessing firearms or associating with people with criminal records.
- Paying restitution, fines, and supervision fees on schedule.
Risk-Based Supervision Levels
The board uses a validated risk assessment tool to classify parolees by supervision level:
- Maximum supervision: weekly or biweekly in-person reporting; possible GPS monitoring; frequent home and employment visits.
- Medium supervision: monthly reporting; periodic home visits.
- Minimum supervision: quarterly reporting or telephone check-in.
As a parolee demonstrates compliance over time, the agent may recommend a supervision level reduction — an important milestone toward discharge from supervision.
GPS Electronic Monitoring
The PBPP uses GPS ankle monitoring for certain parolees — primarily those with sex offense convictions (mandatory under SORNA), those with a history of absconder behavior, and some domestic violence cases. The device must be charged daily. Tampering with or removing the device is a separate criminal offense. Agents receive alerts for zone violations or device tampering in real time.
Travel and Relocation
Travel outside the approved county or district requires advance written permission from the parole agent. Interstate travel or relocation to another state requires Interstate Compact approval (under the Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision), which can take 45–90 days and is not guaranteed. Leaving without approval is an immediate technical violation.
What Happens at Discharge
A parolee is discharged from supervision when they reach the maximum date of their original sentence — automatically — or when the board grants an early discharge based on demonstrated compliance and low risk. Early discharge requires a parole agent recommendation and board approval. The PBPP encourages agents to recommend early discharge for parolees who have been compliant, employed, and stable for an extended period.