The U. S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics has issued statistical facts relevant to offenders returning to Federal Prison from 1986 through 1997. The following statistics describe offenders returning to Federal Prison within three years of release.

  • Offenders returning to Federal Prison within 3 years increased from 11.4% of those released during 1986 to 18.6% of those released during 1994.
  • 60% of those who returned to prison returned as a result of a technical violation of release conditions; 30% returned following a conviction for a new offense; and 10% returned for other violations.
  • Offenders convicted of a violent offense returned to prison at a higher rate (32% of releasees) than those convicted of a property (17%), public-order (15%), or drug offense (13%).

DATA SOURCE: (Department of Justice, Bureau of of Justice Statistics)


In his statements before the U.S. Senate, former U.S. Senator and current Vice President Joe Biden provided the following statistics regarding prisoner recidivism rates:

  • Over 2 million people are incarcerated in the U. S. federal and state prisons and millions  more in local jails.
  • 95% of all prisoners will eventually be released; which means 650,000 are being released to communities annually.
  • 66% of released state prisoners are expected to be rearrested within 3 years of release, this means two out of every three prisoners will be rearrested.
  • 60% of former inmates are not employed.
  • 15 to 27% of released prisoners expect to go to homeless shelters upon release.
  • 57% of federal and 70% of state inmates used drugs regularly before prison.

DATA SOURCE: (See Senator Joe Biden, Jr., Floor Statement: October 27, 2005)


"We know from long experience that if [former prisoners] can't find work, or a home, or help, they are much more likely to commit more crimes and return to prison... America is the land of the second chance, and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life."


-President George W. Bush 2004 State of the Union Address



It is the goal of T.O.U.C.H. to become operational to provide the data, research and study of offender reentry issues. T.O.U.C.H. will look at issues such as:

  • who is most likely to recommit crimes when they are released
  • how to better target resources where they can be most beneficial
  • provide a better understanding of why some recently released individuals who seem to have the entire deck stacked against them are able to become successful and productive members of society.

T.O.U.C.H. will identify exactly what actually works and exactly how that which works can be replicated.There is a tremendous need to accept the hard fact that the problems facing recent releasees are enormous and will require sustained focus. The safety of our neighbors, our children, and our communities depends on it. More importantly, addressing the needs described above is the duty of the society at large.