By JENNIFER PALMER The Oklahoman | Posted: Sunday, January 17, 2016 12:00 am

OKLAHOMA CITY — Criminals are finding it tough to receive paroles in Oklahoma, especially those convicted of having once committed violent crimes.

The state Pardon and Parole Board considered more than 4,000 eligible inmates in 2015, recommending only 28 violent offenders for parole, while paroling 363 nonviolent offenders, records show.

Of the violent offenders recommended, Gov. Mary Fallin approved only six. Nonviolent paroles don’t require the governor’s signature.

A “violent offender” hasn’t necessarily behaved violently, but by definition has been convicted of a violent crime under state statutes. There are more than 50 violent crimes in Oklahoma, ranging from murder and robbery to using a firearm to commit or attempt a felony.

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