Department of Correction
Gayle E. Ray, Commissioner

The Policy, Planning and Research section of the Tennessee Department of Correction provides public policy information, data analysis, strategic planning guidance and research assistance which supports the department's development, management, operational and policy initiatives.  This section is responsible for providing:

• Information and analyses to respond to developing trends, issues, and correctional policy.
• Support and assistance to the entire department at all levels in the acquisition and analysis of information pertinent to its needs.
• Coordination and support for the review and development of departmental policies and procedures.
• Information requested from various public and private constituents.
• Strategic planning initiatives.

The 8-person staff includes the director, departmental policy and survey manager, the planning coordinator, a statistical analyst supervisor and a small group of programmers/data specialist.  Policy, Planning and Research generates numerous monthly, quarterly and annual reports now available in pdf format on this site.

• Annual Reports
• Statistical Abstract (pdf format)(5,405 kb) - this report provides detailed statistical information which has previously been contained in other types of reports.
• Annual Felon Population Projections Reports and Mid-Year Assessment
• Monthly Felon Population Update - this report provides statistics on felons in Tennessee who are incarcerated, on probation or on parole.
• Monthly Female Population Update - this report provides statistics specifically on incarcerated female felons in Tennessee. Probation and parole numbers are not included.
• Monthly Bed Space and Operating Capacities Reports - this report shows the assigned count, total beds available and operating capacity of each Tennessee Department of Correction facility on the last day of the month.
• Monthly Jail Summary Reports - this monthly report provides a point-in-time perspective of the jail population in Tennessee.
• Research Briefs - research conducted by the Policy, Planning and Research section which provides statistical information and narrative synopses of various topics of interest.
• Children and Families - reports and demographic inquiries into the issues surrounding incarcerated families.
• Research Proposal - temporary suspension with exception, effective July 20, 2009.
• Charges of Computer Generated Requests (pdf format)(27 kb) - policy is attached addressing these charges.