The percentage of Iowa reoffenders has generally decreased over the last decade to its lowest rate, this year, of 32.8%. It’s a three percentage point decrease from fiscal year 2024, according to the Iowa Department of Corrections.
The Iowa DOC releases recidivism rates every year. Recidivism is when an offender returns to prison within three years for any reason.
The Iowa DOC saw a one percent increase between the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years, with 35.8% of offenders returning to prison.
The 2025 recidivism rate is a six percentage point decrease from 2019, when 38.9% of offenders were returning to prison. 2019 was the latest data available.
The Iowa DOC states that there are several reasons why the numbers could be decreasing, including prioritizing institutional and community-based treatment for high-risk individuals, improving reentry practices, and increasing access to treatment, education, and vocational opportunities.
“Iowa’s historic reduction in recidivism is a direct reflection of what can be accomplished when agencies work together toward a shared vision of safer communities,” said Governor Reynolds.
Iowa DOC also says the streamlining and aligning of state agencies, including the Departments of Corrections and Public Safety, also helped strengthen reentry and reduce recidivism.
“This milestone reflects the strength of Iowa’s strategic vision for public safety and reentry, championed through Governor Reynolds’ leadership and the alignment of our state agencies,” said Iowa DOC Director Beth Skinner.
This story is courtesy of Media Partner KTIV in Sioux City
