Community Corrections

Saving Tennessee Millions Annually

In 1985, Tennessee’s special legislative session created the Community Corrections (CC) program to reduce prison overcrowding. Since its inception, the CC program offers local courts increased options, assists victims, provides public services to local governments and has proven to be highly cost-effective. Taxpayers avoid paying the significant costs of jail or prison for non-violent offenders. The average cost is less than $4 a day for supervision. Statewide, the program has a successful termination rate of over 50 percent and a less than 10 percent recidivism rate.

Who We Serve

The Community Corrections Program currently serves the 18th, 21st, and 23rd Judicial Districts consisting of Cheatham, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Stewart, Sumner, and Williamson counties. The program also serves Hickman, Lewis, and Perry counties (part of the 21st Judicial District) in the South Central Region.

Offenders sentenced to Community Corrections are required to be on house arrest for the first six months. After successful completion of house arrest, the participants are advanced and supervised for six months on curfew. Each participant must complete a minimum of 12 months of supervision along with all other court orders. Offenders are also ordered to obey certain rules and regulations including, but not limited to, performance of community service work and payment of court costs, fines, and restitution.

Constant supervision in varying degrees continues throughout the program, and offenders may be electronically monitored. They must make themselves available for alcohol and drug testing and, if results show dependency, may be required to obtain treatment or participate in support groups.

Community Corrections

Services

• Intensive Supervision
• Alcohol & Drug Screens and Tests
• Community Service Work
• Mental Health Referrals
• Alcohol & Drug Assessments
• MRT Groups
• Sex Offender Treatment Groups
• Individual & Group Counseling
• GED Education & Tests
• Living & Employability Skills Groups
• Electronic & Curfew Monitoring
• Anger Management Individual & Group Sessions
• Day Reporting Centers
• Collection of Court Costs, Fines & Restitution
• Inpatient and Outpatient A & D Treatment
• Options for Drug Court
• Half-way & Residential Services
• Referrals to other necessary services

Community Corrections

Accomplishments in 2007

The CC program has implemented a Web-based case management software that has allowed for case file automation. This is the recommended software that the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference purchased and is planning to implement across the state.

The program exceeded its intake requirement, resulting in a significant savings for taxpayers. It was awarded funding to offer its services in Rutherford County. This will be the first time this county has ever partnered with the program. The additional funding will allow the CC program to add and permanently maintain staff positions.

CC program participants give back to each community by performing community service work. Participants have taken part in clean-up projects, courthouse maintenance and cleanup of local school grounds. In one county, participants created an outside classroom. The program has provided local baseball and football fields with benches, picnic tables and other needed items. Its services save the counties and state additional money that is not calculated upon sentencing.

Community Corrections

Eligibility

Any person convicted in the below named counties of a non-violent offense and who would, without this option, be incarcerated is eligible.

Serving Cheatham, Dickson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lewis, Perry, Stewart, Sumner, and Williamson counties.

Community Corrections

Governance and Funding Partner

Community Corrections is funded by grant money that is managed by the State of Tennessee Board of Probation and Parole (BOPP).