The mission of reintegration programs is to minimize the negative effects of imprisonment, maximize the retention of positive community links, and provide transition between prison and society. A substantial body of empirical evidence on the Massachusetts prison system suggests that public safety is significantly increased and inmate recidivism reduced by the adoption of prison reintegration programming such as prison furloughs, graduated security levels, and pre-release centers. The article briefly describes these programs, summarizes recidivism research studies evaluating effectiveness, and chronicles the politically motivated reduction of these programs. The article also describes policy implications for corrections management, and discusses the expectations for prison reintegration programming as a crime control strategy. Tables, references