Most prisoners released in the United States are subject to community supervision, often called "parole." But little is known about whether parole increases public safety outcomes or improves reentry transitions. This study compares prisoners released to supervision—via mandatory and discretionary release—with prisoners released unconditionally. Bureau of Justice Statistics data on 38,624 state prisoners released in 1994 from 15 states are analyzed, along with the differences between these groups and their rearrest rates.