The Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) reports a slight decrease in three-year recidivism rates in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. Recidivism, which is a measure of how likely an individual will commit a crime after a previous conviction, dropped from 39.6 percent in FY20 to 38.7 percent in FY21. According to Director, Beth Skinner, “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.” IDOC staff credit the decrease to several recent efforts to aid offenders reintegrate into society, including: prioritizing treatment for high-risk individuals, using evidence-based programs, improving re-entry practices, increasing access to educational opportunities, facilitating apprenticeship programs, adding staff training in core correctional practices and enhancing case management. Gov. Kim Reynolds says, “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. 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.” According to the IDOC website, 7,840 inmates are currently housed in Iowa prison with another 1,027 held in segregation for medical or other reasons.
