Henderson County Jail sees percentage of criminal reoffenders down by over 40%

HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — The Henderson County Sheriff’s Department reaches an incredible milestone through its journey from recidivism to restoration.

In 2020, the Tennessee Corrections Institute presented a study of the Henderson County Jail.

The study showed that the jail was operating beyond capacity and recommended a focus on the jail’s recidivism rate. This is the percentage of people who are re-arrested or re-incarcerated after being released from prison.

“Our recidivism rate had dropped from 87% to 44%, which is a huge reduction. I kinda had in my mind that if we could just hit the 50% mark that would be a huge success, so we have far exceeded that,” said Henderson County Sheriff Brian Duke.

The program consists of several workforce and educational programs including TCAT courses and certifications, and life skills and teen challenge trainings.

“But we want to solve their problems and hopefully when they leave here, they leave here a whole lot better than they came,” said Sheriff Duke.

This program is made possible through many organization’s efforts. Overall, over 700 individuals have received some level of programming with over 60% of those individuals in multiple programs.

“For 32 years, I’ve seen people come to jail and come right back. For the first time in my career, you know, we see people that come to jail, but it can become a positive experience for them, and they can grow, and they can succeed, and not come back here,” said Sheriff Duke.

The decisions made by the sheriff’s department, with the support of the county, have had a positive impact on individuals and their families.

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