NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 5, 2015) — A task force formed by Gov. Bill Haslam to examine Tennessee’s sentencing structure and look at ways to reduce the state’s high recidivism rate will hold its final meeting on Thursday in Nashville.
The group was formed last year as part of the administration’s overall effort to reduce crime and improve public safety.
The task force has worked over the past year to develop recommendations to present to the Governor’s Public Safety Subcabinet, which it’s expected to do Thursday.
The subcabinet has partnered with the Vera Institute of Justice, which has assisted in reviewing sentencing and correction policies and practices in Tennessee.
Tennessee’s current sentencing structure has been in place for more than 20 years, and the state’s recidivism rate is averaging around 44 to 45 percent. That’s the number of people returning to prison within three years of being released.
