DES MOINES – Today the Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) is announcing a reduction in the recidivism rate for FY2021. The three-year recidivism rate for FY2021 is 38.7% — 0.9% lower than the recidivism rate observed in FY2020.
Generally, recidivism is defined as the likelihood that an individual “relapse[s] into criminal behavior, often after the person receives sanctions or undergoes intervention from a previous crime.”[1] Recidivism can be defined in a multitude of ways, and there is no primary standard for national or state-level reporting. The IDOC defines recidivism as an individual’s return to prison within three-years following a previous term of incarceration.
Recidivism reduction is a top priority for IDOC. While some efforts to curb recidivism are within the Department’s control, some are not. It is imperative that federal, state, and local agencies continue to work together to seek innovations that improve public safety, individual reentry, and community support services.
“I’m proud of the hard work that the Department of Corrections and their partners have done to continually reduce the recidivism rate in our state,” Governor Reynolds said. “It is critical that we continue these programs and partnerships and help these individuals begin a new path as an active, productive and valued member of our society.”
The IDOC has undertaken a series of efforts to continue to reduce recidivism and improve public safety within their Agency. The FY2021 figures speaks to IDOC’s efforts toward promoting a safer Iowa and achieving their vison of an Iowa with no more victims.
“The Iowa DOC has undertaken multiple efforts over the course of several years to reduce recidivism rates. In recent years, while we have observed increases in recidivism, that rate of increase appeared to slow as Department-wide efforts were implemented, practiced, and sustained. The recidivism reduction observed during FY21 are indications these efforts are working to achieve our Department’s unified goals to improve reentry and community safety.” -Director Beth Skinner Ph.D.
The Department reports several implementation efforts, which include but are not limited to:
Prioritizing institutional and community-based treatment for high risk individuals
Utilizing evidence-based programs
Improved and aligned reentry practices
Increased access to education and educational opportunities
Building capacity within apprenticeship programs
Training staff in core correctional practices (CCP)
Enhanced case management training
In my high school statistics class we had to read a book called, “How to Lie With Statistics “.
Great job !! Now we can reduce funding and streamline services!!
If you are a legislator take the time to understand what the hell is going on. Just don’t listen to their tax payer funded studies that tell them what they want to hear. If you are a conservative governor, mayor, county supervisor do all you can to get rid of these liberal bureaucrats. Votes will change direction at the top but without getting rid of these Marxist state bureaucrats all Iowans lose !!!
All they did is redefine recidivism. Similar to not revoking parole or probation for numerous and serious violations. Also, watch closely Iowa’s racist department of Corrections. 3 percent Iowa black population 35% prison population black. They are actively reducing this number not by improving the lives of minorities, but by not prosecuting crimes perpetrated by minorities. Just like the big cities. It will be a disaster.
It is condescending at the least . At the worst it will kill innocent people most of which will be minorities just like Chicago, Baltimore, and other liberal crap holes.
All violent offenders should be put to death.