Parole
Parole, in criminology the conditional release of a prisoner before he has served his full sentence. Parole is based on good behavior in prison and on the belief that the prisoner has reformed. After release he is restricted as to place of residence and as to kind of work. He must avoid criminal associates and must report regularly to a parole officer. If the parolee violates any condition he may be returned to prison to complete his sentence.
Parole differs from pardon and probation. A pardon is normally a full release of a convict from the penalty for his crime. A probation is a suspended sentence that allows a convicted person to remain free without serving any part of his sentence, on the condition that he conduct himself in an approved manner.
In military affairs, prisoners of war were formerly released on a written promise not to bear arms against the releasing country again during the current war, unless later included in an exchange of prisoners. This form of parole is no longer used.