What is TRICOR?

TRICOR is a manufacturing and sales conglomerate consisting of a diversified mix of manufacturing operations, business services, and agriculture operations.

How is TRICOR structured?

TRICOR is governed by a Board of Directors. Board members represent various fields such as manufacturing, business and corporate law, fiscal management, human resources, agriculture, organized labor, the Tennessee Department of Correction, and the Tennessee State Employees Association. Board members are appointed by the governor.

How do TRICOR programs benefit Tennessee?

First, TRICOR’s revenue is generated through the sale of products and services, and TRICOR does not receive any state appropriated funds. Second, TRICOR saves the Tennessee Department of Corrections $4,325 annually in programming costs for every offender assigned to TRICOR. Third, and most important, TRICOR programs result in tremendous tax savings due to lowered recidivism rates. We attribute this lower recidivism rate to the work ethic and marketable job skills offenders learn while working for TRICOR. Fourth, We provide the tax-supported institutions and government divisions such as state, county, and city agencies; non-profit organizations; colleges and universities; and school districts with a wide assortment of quality goods and services at competitive prices.

How do offenders qualify for TRICOR programs?

All TRICOR offenders must have at least a high school education or equivalent and a clean disciplinary record. Some work assignments may require additional skills or requirements such as lifting and standing requirements or skills such as welding for metal work.

How are offender workers selected?

Qualified applicants are placed on a job register and are interviewed prior to being placed in the position. The process for selecting offender workers is very similar to hiring in the free world.

What type of benefits do TRICOR offenders receive?

TRICOR offenders learn valuable job skills that can help them find jobs upon their release. We also offer a Life Skills class that teaches offenders about the basics of living on their own. TRICOR employs three Job Placement Coordinators that assist offenders in finding jobs and social services after they are released.

Do offenders receive additional credit days toward their sentence for working at TRICOR?

Yes, offenders can earn up to six sentence credit days per month for being involved in a work program. These additional days are not unique to just TRICOR. This reward system is available through the Tennessee Department of Correction for all offenders involved in work and education programs.

What is the “Life Skills Program” offered to offenders by TRICOR?

TRICOR’s Life Skills Program is offered to offenders who have worked at TRICOR for at least one year. The class is designed to educate offenders about successful re-entry into society. The class covers many areas including how to handle job interviews, how to fill out employment applications, and how to obtain a drivers license. Each offender also receives a community resource book which contains a listing of various community support structures.

What type of job placement services does TRICOR offer for offenders after they are paroled?

TRICOR has three Job Placement Coordinators. Each coordinator represents a region of the state - East, Middle, and West. Each job coordinator works with former TRICOR offender workers to assist them with both social service and employment needs.

How many free-world staff work at TRICOR?

TRICOR employs approximately 130 free-world staff.

How many offender workers are involved in TRICOR work programs?

Approximately 1,000 offender workers.