The Times Union is reporting two new reports from Columbia University are raising questions about New York's probation and parole system and offering suggestions for making it more effective. The publications released January 29, were compiled by corrections experts from around the country, and examine how inmates are often sent back to jail for technical violations of their parole, such as missing curfew or failing to meet with a parole officer. One of the reports examines how insufficient funding hurts the effectiveness of parole, while the other looks at the situation in New York. The research found that despite success in reducing overall prison populations, the number of people re-incarcerated for parole violations is increasing. The reports recommend shifting the focus of parole from punishment to incentives that help individuals reintegrate into society. Read the full story in the Times Union.