Sitting in a Rotorua police cell contemplating another lag behind bars, there's little to do or look forward to.
So maybe that's the time to plan a better life.
That's the hope of Rotorua police staff who have taken it upon themselves to put up new signs in the Rotorua Police Custody Centre that aim to act as triggers to turn around some people's lives.
New signs have been strategically placed around the jail offering food for thought for those who have been locked up.
The signs have messages such as "Do you want this life for your children?" and "Help is here, to make a change simply contact our staff".
Senior Sergeant Dennis Murphy, who has spent the past two years working in the custody centre, said while not everyone would change as a result of reading the signs, it was hoped they could help make the "penny drop" for some.
Mr Murphy said police offered support to get help through other community and iwi-based agencies but often offenders didn't ask police to get that help.
"We just don't want to be a revolving door for these people. We are targeting people who seem to be a on a cycle of criminal behaviour. A lot of the time alcohol and drugs, family violence and mental health issues are behind their offending and we can offer them the opportunity to put them in touch with a lot of organisations that can help support them through their desire to stop offending."
He said many of those could be involved in gangs and had no idea how they could escape the cycle.
"People do leave gangs. It can be done ... What we are finding is people are continuing to get into the cycle of offending and it is like doing life imprisonment by instalments. They are out of jail, then they are in and before they know it they have spent half their lives in prison.
"If people are looking for help, we will supply them with help. Our staff are trained communicators and will help those who seek help."
Mr Murphy said police weren't "dropping the ball" with serious offenders and would continue to take a no nonsense approach to those not interested in changing.
"We appreciate that not a lot of people want to engage but we are putting the offer out there and visualising it, putting it in front of their faces in a way they can't help but notice it. Inside here is the best time to think about it."
What the sign says
Sick of being locked up?
Do you want this life for your children?
Help is here
To make a change simply contact our staff now
Grasp this opportunity to change your future for the better