Parole refers to a type of conditional freedom that an incarcerated person can obtain. However, while they are out on parole, the "parolee" must adhere to a strict set of guidelines and rules that govern their behavior. How Parole Works Most parole is discretionary parole. That means that an inmate is granted their parole at the discretion of the parole board and before their sentence is up. Basically, it allows the inmate to live out the rest of their sentence in the free world provided they ...