Offender reentry is a pressing issue for American society for many reasons. Governmental resources have been drastically taxed as legislatures have criminalized more and more behaviors. Sentencing reform has created determinate sentencing and mandatory minimum time requirements which has resulted in longer prison stays for offenders. With longer prison stays, many treatment and educational programs have not been able to keep pace with the increased demand. With the longer prison stays and lack of treatment and education programs, 95 percent of all these offenders will be released at some point and will return to their communities. Upon their release, communities are confronted, based on policy decisions made and implemented, by either a returning criminal or a reformed offender. This article discusses the need in new ways of thinking in order to reduce the recidivism rate. Effective partnerships are discussed, such as Project RIO. Project RIO, established in 1985 in the State of Texas forces ex-inmates to conform to societal norms or assists them in making the transition from prison to freedom. After an evaluation in 1992, Project RIO was found to be successful. In addition, during the community reintegration phase, police officers work to lessen the friction that accompanies change for ex-offenders. With its emphasis on problem solving, community policing is changing the face of law enforcement and the reintegration of offenders.