KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Overbey today announced $2.2 million in Department of Justice grants to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office to reduce recidivism among adults and juvenile offenders returning to their communities in the Eastern District of Tennessee after confinement. The grants, awarded by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs, are part of more than $92 million in funding to support reentry efforts throughout the United States.
“Former offenders are ultimately responsible for their own successes and failures, but our criminal and juvenile justice systems have an important role to play in preparing them for the obstacles that lay before them," said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “I’m very pleased to make these resources available to help them get back on their feet and contribute to the prosperity of their communities and the betterment of our nation."
The reentry and recidivism reduction grants awarded will help communities develop and implement comprehensive strategies to address the challenges posed by reentry and recidivism; support reentry services for detained juveniles and incarcerated parents with children under the age of 18; and support research and evaluation programs to advance understanding about re-offending.
“Our office’s main function is the prosecution of serious and violent offenders," said U.S. Attorney Overbey. “Prosecutions alone will not ensure public safety over the long term. Our office has increased its involvement in community-based crime prevention through our Project Safe Neighborhoods strategies. Lowering recidivism is a complex matter and involves a variety of factors like treating addiction, mental health and providing access to employment. Our office will continue to increase our capacity to assist in prevention and reentry of East Tennesseans."
For a complete list of grant award amounts, and jurisdictions that will receive funding, visit:. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
