Two decades.
Measurable
transformation.
PEP’s results aren’t anecdotal. They’re independently verified, consistently replicated and among the best in criminal justice reform.
The Numbers
Results that speak for themselves
The Economic Case
This isn’t charity. It’s a return on investment.
Independent economic analysis quantifies what happens when a man doesn’t return to prison: he pays taxes, employs others, raises children, and buys a home. Together, these outcomes generate 1.9× for every $1 invested.
A $100,000 investment in PEP generates an estimated $8.6 million in annual taxpayer benefit — a 1.9× return on total program investment.
The Multiplier
Per $1 invested in PEP
Source: ICIC Impact Analysis & Baylor University Study.
Recidivism in Context
The gap that defines PEP
Recidivism is the most important measure of any criminal justice program. Nationally, 28% of people released from prison are reincarcerated within 3 years (Bureau of Justice Statistics). PEP’s rate, sustained for over 15 years, is below 10%, and falling.
That gap isn’t selection bias — PEP draws from the same Texas prison population. The difference is the model.
3-year re-arrest rate. Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics (national); TDCJ (Texas); PEP internal data.
Data Sources
Recidivism: Bureau of Justice Statistics (national average); Texas Department of Criminal Justice (Texas average); PEP internal longitudinal tracking. ROI: ICIC Independent Economic Analysis & Baylor University Study. Employment, wage, and homeownership outcomes: PEP internal tracking, verified annually.
For Researchers & Press
PEP welcomes independent verification of its outcomes data. Annual reports, audited financials, and IRS Form 990s are available at pep.org/financials. For data requests or press inquiries, contact press@pep.org.
Numbers worth sharing.
Independently verified and consistently replicated for 20+ years. Share them with your board, your team, or anyone asking what criminal justice reform can actually accomplish.