The Prisoner Re-Entry Task Force was established in October 2004 to develop strategies to
improve outcomes for released offenders. The Task Force is comprised of members from around the state in both the public and private sectors.

Prisoner reentry has become a major policy focus as close to 650,000 people are released from state and federal prison each year into communities nationwide. A far greater number reenter communities from local jails, and for many offenders /defendants, this will occur several times in a year.

In an effort to improve public safety and maximize existing resources, states are adopting interdisciplinary strategies that improve how prisoners are released from prison. Recognizing that ancillary supports (e.g., substance abuse and mental health treatment, skill and cognitive training, housing supports, jobs, etc.) help reduce recidivism rates and improve outcomes for returning prisoners, states are improving how state and local service systems provide key services to returning prisoners. They are also working to identify and remove barriers that may impede returning prisoners' chances of a successful reentry.

In Arizona, the Reentry Task Force works to recommend changes in law and policy and foment collaborations among the public, private, and non-profit sectors that will increase public safety by assisting released offenders to successfully reintegrate into the community and live as lawful citizens.