ABOUT US
Research That Restores. Evidence That Reforms.
Break the Cuffs bridges rigorous research and lived experiences to create practical pathways for successful reentry, lasting desistance, and stronger communities.
About the Institute
Our Mission
Break the Cuffs: The Institute for Reentry and Desistance Research exists to conduct rigorous scientific research on offender desistance, successful community reintegration, and correction effectiveness in order to improve criminal justice policy, enhance public safety, and provide lasting prosocial transformation.
​
Our Vision
Break the Cuffs: The Institute for Reentry and Desistance Research envisions a future where criminal justice policy and practice are guided by scientific evidence, where formerly incarcerated individuals have greater opportunities for lasting success, and where research strengthens communities by improving public safety, accountability, and successful reintegration.
Our Evidence-Based Approach
The Institute partners deeply with directly impacted people, community organizations, and systems leaders to design and rigorously evaluate interventions. By centering lived experience alongside academic expertise, we ensure our research is both scientifically sound and contextually relevant.
We utilize sophisticated mixed-methods research that combines longitudinal quantitative data with deep qualitative narratives. This dual lens allows us to identify systemic trends while understanding the individual nuances of the desistance journey.
Our focus remains on the real world by translating findings into actionable tools, evidence-informed training, and specific policy recommendations. We don't just study systems; we build the practical blueprints for their transformation and long-term stability.
The Four Pillars of Our Work
Research
Systemic Change
Driving systemic change through rigorous, community-informed research on reentry and desistance.
Restore
Healing Agency
Centering healing, agency, and reconciliation for people, families, and communities impacted by incarceration.
Reintegrate
Building Pathways
Building pathways to housing, employment, education, and social support that make successful reentry possible.
Reform
Reshaping Policy
Challenging and reshaping policies and practices that create barriers to desistance and long-term stability.
Meet the Team
The People Behind the Mission
Meet the researchers, practitioners, and community leaders working to transform evidence into lasting change.
Shawn Timmerman
Director
Shawn Timmerman supports the Institute’s research translation, outreach, and organizational initiatives. He helps make evidence accessible and actionable for partners working to improve reentry, desistance, and community outcomes.
Dr. Keith Jewell
Executive Director
Dr. Keith Jewell leads Break the Cuffs in advancing evidence-based research on reentry, desistance, community reintegration, and criminal justice reform. He works to translate rigorous research into practical strategies that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
Chad Howarth
Director
Chad Howarth supports the Institute’s research, operations, and strategic initiatives. He helps turn evidence into practical resources and partnerships that strengthen reentry, promote lasting desistance, and improve community outcomes.
John Steele
Director
John Steele supports the Institute’s programs, partnerships, and evidence-to-action work. He helps connect research with practical strategies that expand opportunity, strengthen community reintegration, and advance lasting change.
