prison furlough

{{Short description|Authorized temoporary release of a prisoner}}

{{Globalize|1=article|2=United States|date=July 2022}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}

A prison furlough is an authorized temporary release granted to a prison inmate. Prisoners on furlough may be allowed to leave unescorted, but, if accompanied by guards, often they must pay for the expense. Furloughs are sometimes granted for medical reasons or to allow inmates to attend funerals or make contact for employment upon release.{{cite web|url=http://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=72.66&full=true|title=Chapter 72.66 RCW: FURLOUGHS FOR PRISONERS|website=app.leg.wa.gov}}{{cite web |url=http://www.lib.niu.edu/1975/ii7507198.html |title= A look at the state's Prison Furlough Program |via=niu.edu |first=Eugene |last=Eidenberg |date=July 1975 |work=Illinois Issues |accessdate=21 September 2020 }} There is some evidence that furloughs reduce violent outbursts, although there have also been high-profile cases in which furloughed prisoners committed crimes while on furlough, returned late, or remained at large.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/05/us/prison-furloughs-in-massachusetts-threaten-dukakis-record-on-crime.html |first=Robin |last=Toner |title=Prison Furloughs in Massachusetts Threaten Dukakis Record on Crime|date=5 July 1988|website=The New York Times}} In the Federal Bureau of Prisons, furloughs are considered neither a reward for good behavior nor a means to shorten a criminal sentence, but are intended strictly to further correctional goals.{{cite web |url=https://www.bop.gov/policy/progstat/5280_008.pdf |title=Change Notice 5280.08 |date=4 February 1998 |website=Federal Bureau of Prisons |accessdate=21 September 2020 }}