Overview of the Stress Anger Violence Reduction Program at the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office
The Stress Anger Violence Reduction (SAVR) program, developed and implemented by the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, is a groundbreaking initiative designed to help incarcerated individuals manage and reduce impulsive behaviors, stress, anger, and violence through mindfulness-based cognitive therapy techniques. Over the past 5½ years, SAVR has proven to be an effective tool in transforming lives within correctional settings, offering participants the opportunity to engage in deep self-reflection, develop emotional regulation skills, and embark on a path toward positive change.
Program Foundations and Structure
SAVR integrates mindfulness meditation practices, cognitive therapy techniques, and self-reflective journaling exercises to create a holistic program for incarcerated offenders. The primary goal of the program is to teach participants how to utilize guided meditation and self-regulation techniques to cultivate mindfulness, self-awareness, and emotional control, ultimately creating a foundation for a more peaceful and productive life both inside and outside of correctional facilities.
The program, which was founded by HCSO Programs Manager Dan Cavanaugh, Assistant Superintendent John Evon, and other staff, has three levels of participation. As participants progress, they are given access to a designated meditation room equipped with yoga materials, which encourages them to continue their mindfulness journey. This physical space serves as an environment where individuals can deepen their practice and reflect on their progress.
A key objective of SAVR is to prepare individuals to engage in further educational and rehabilitative programs, setting the stage for their success in areas such as educational classes, vocational training, and reintegration into society.
The SAVR Daily Meditations Journal
In a significant development, HCSO corrections professionals Dan Cavanaugh, Michael Frost, and Thomas Rondeau designed the SAVR book—a comprehensive, 365-day activity journal that encourages incarcerated men at the Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow to explore their feelings, past traumas, hopes, and ambitions. The journal, available in both English and Spanish, includes daily reflections inspired by historical and cultural figures—ranging from philosophers like Plato to musicians like Biggie Smalls—offering motivational quotes and insights that resonate with individuals throughout their transformation journey.
The core concept of the SAVR book is simple but powerful: For each day of the year, participants read about the lives and words of famous men, drawing inspiration from their achievements and wisdom to guide their own path toward change. This approach provides a reflection tool that spans from the ancient past to the modern era, enabling participants to relate to diverse perspectives, regardless of the decade or century from which they originated.
Core Principles and Practices
SAVR introduces participants to a variety of principles that promote positive transformation, focusing on key areas of personal growth and self-regulation. These principles include:
- Awareness and Attention Regulation
- Cognitive and Emotional Awareness
- Encouragement and Motivation
- Intention and Responsibility
- Goal-Setting and Behavioral Regulation
- Impulse Control and Stress Reduction
- Resilience and Recovery
- Empathy and Boundary Awareness
- Mindfulness and Acceptance
Each of these principles is designed to guide individuals in developing critical life skills such as patience, self-efficacy, impulse regulation, and emotional resilience. The ongoing nature of the SAVR program allows individuals to progress at their own pace, with more advanced participants serving as role models to help foster a peaceful, welcoming environment conducive to growth and healing.
Impact and Success
Sheriff Nick Cocchi has expressed immense pride in the success of the SAVR program, noting its positive impact on participants. “We’ve learned that when you can convince people to pause and reflect, and they learn how to do it on their own, the outcome is less of the impulsive behaviors that can lead someone to us in the first place,” Sheriff Cocchi said. The program’s success is reflected in the large number of participants who embrace the curriculum while incarcerated. Many individuals continue to engage with the SAVR book post-release, reaching out to the HCSO team to share their progress and how the program has helped them maintain a positive mindset and stay on track with their reintegration into society.
SAVR’s focus on mindfulness and self-regulation has contributed to the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office achieving one of the lowest recidivism rates in the United States, highlighting the program's effectiveness in preparing individuals for a successful transition back into their communities.
Conclusion
The Stress Anger Violence Reduction (SAVR) program is a vital component of the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office's commitment to rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. By incorporating mindfulness, self-reflection, and cognitive therapy, the SAVR program empowers incarcerated individuals to take charge of their emotional well-being, build resilience, and make positive changes in their lives. The program’s success has positioned it as a model for other correctional facilities across the United States, with HCSO staff eager to share their insights and encourage other agencies to implement similar initiatives.
For corrections officials interested in learning more about SAVR or integrating similar programs into their own institutions, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office is proud to offer guidance and support as they work toward creating transformative, rehabilitative environments for individuals in their care.