CT_March-April_2022_Mag_Web

Guest Editorial

should appreciate the importance of a strong focus on successfully reentry to society beginning on day one of the sentence. As a former Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Cor- rection (TDOC), I had the privilege to witness the passage of the Public Safety Act of 2016 under the Haslam Administration, as well as the Reentry and Success Act under the leadership of Governor Bill Lee. These laws pro- vided the tools necessary to deliver evidenced-based programs prescribed by a validated risk and needs assess- ment targeting the individual factors that promote illegal behavior.

By providing very specific pro - grams and services, we have been able to take a scientific approach to reducing the number of individuals returning to prison by placing an emphasis on programing and reentry. When recidivism is reduced, we re- duce crime, which means we reduce the number of victims. We reduce the number of broken families and chil- dren without a parent in their lives. We reduce the costs associated with incarceration. We enhance public safety and yes, we complete the mis- sion of corrections! If I took a poll of every citizen in our communities today, I am

confident the majority would take a personal interest in what makes our communities safer and healthier. Without question, most would desire to see reduced crime, fewer victims, reduced drug addiction and new approaches to serving those with mental illness. Never forget the im- portance of the correctional mission because public safety is personal to everyone!

Tony C. Parker ACA 107 th President

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