In 2002, the Illinois Department of Corrections (DOC) initiated a number of important changes to ensure the safety of its employees and inmates. A high priority for the department was control and order. Security level designations, controlled line movement, inmate property boxes, along with increased monitoring of security threat groups have created a more secure prison system. The reorganization of the agency’s parole program has shown a commitment to public safety and dealing with parole violators. Through a new initiative parole agents and parolees are forced to be more accountable. The department participates with other law enforcement entities to conduct parole compliance checks to ensure that the conditions of parole are being met. The Placement Resource Unit (PRU) was also developed as part of the parole initiative, ensuring that parolees do not return to the community without suitable housing. The Automated Receiving and Classification System (ARCS) was created as a monitoring tool, allowing the agency to better track inmates being returned to DOC with respect to their activity while on parole. An effort to assess and evaluate every program and service offered to inmates was undertaken to ensure they are receiving the appropriate programming. Programs in the process of being implemented are the Young Offender Re-Entry Program, providing direct placement and support services for young offenders returning to the Chicago area and the Serious and Violent Offender Re-Entry Program, providing pre-release counseling, community placement assistance, and concentrated case management services. Changes in overall operations, programs, and services have shown a significant decrease in recidivism with an approximate 30 percent recidivism rate for offenders being returned to prison for new crimes. Graphs and charts