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TDOC Mission, Vision & Values


Photo of Commissioner Gayle Ray

Mission: To enhance public safety in Tennessee through incarceration and rehabilitation of felony offenders.

Vision: The department will maintain a standard of excellence in security and corrections through: professional development of its employees, operations enhanced by technology and best practices, and opportunities for offenders rehabilitation so as to reduce recidivism.

Values: Commitment to fair and ethical treatment of convicted felons, respect for fellow employees, responsibility and accountability to citizens of Tennessee, and integrity in both external and internal relationships.

Recidivism


Cover Sheet for Recidivism Study

TDOC RELEASES STUDY ON RECIDIVISM

The Tennessee Department of Correction has discovered some encouraging news in its latest study on recidivism. The just released report shows that felons released from TDOC prisons are now less likely to return to custody.

The return rate for ex-felons dropped 3% in the latest survey. For 2005, the recidivism rate stood at 38.8% for offenders who had been out of prison for three years. That's compared to a 42% rate in 2001. While there is no recognized national average for recidivism, return rates range as high as 65% for individual states. ...More

(Click graphic to view report)

Recent News


    TDOC SEEKS HELP LOCATING ESCAPEE

  • July 28, 2010
    The Tennessee Department of Correction is asking for the public's assistance in locating an escaped inmate who may now be in northern Alabama or Florida. Arthur Milks, 38, escaped from the Henderson County, Tennessee jail on Sunday, July 25 by jumping over a fence.. ...More

    RIVERBEND OFFICER ASSAULTED

  • July 14, 2010
    A correctional corporal at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville is recovering this morning after being attacked by an inmate. Corporal Rafael Morales was stabbed multiple times by inmate Kevin Goff at approximately 7:21 p.m. Tuesday night. . ...More

    TDOC FLOOD BENEFIT

  • June 29, 2010
    The Turney Center Industrial Prison is doing its part to help flood victims on the road to recovery. More than 50 TDOC employees experienced significant loss during the May floods. Six Turney Center employees suffered damage. On Wednesday, a special benefit will be held at the prison to help raise money for staff affected by the floods. ...More


Prison Farming


Photo of the prison compost site

It's a move that saves Tennessee taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. Tennessee Department of Correction Sgt. Doug Griffith explained on WCTE-TV's Live Green show how the TDOC's recycling program turns leftover food from prisons into rich fertile mulch that's used on a 100-acre garden.

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