Criminal Behavior
The Many Causes
Criminal Behavior can be caused by many factors. Free choice, environments, poverty, a person’s inability to conform to society, and through association with other criminals just to name a few. Society is quick to attribute mental illness as a cause for criminal behavior. In some cases, it is true. In other cases, it is not. Often those suffering from mental illness are victims of crime.
Recidivism is measured by criminal acts that resulted in re-arrest, re-conviction or return to prison with or without a new sentence during a three-year period following the returning citizen's release.
Desistance, what TNPDC aims for with their returning citizens, refers to the process by which returning citizens arrive at a permanent state of non-offending. In effect, a returning citizen will either recidivate or desist.
No matter the reason for incarceration, TNPDC treats returning citizens committed to turning their lives around without prejudice, preconceived ideas, or judgement.
TNPDC understands that life after prison will be difficult to navigate and this knowledge fuels their fight and determination to work hard for returning citizens deserving the chance to successfully re-integrate into society and live a successful life through education, vocational training, employment assistance, safe and structured housing opportunities, as well as the necessary counseling for each returning citizen.