NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS PUBLISHES NEWEST RECIDIVISM OUTCOME REPORT

Report highlights continued record-low number of individuals released and reincarcerated for a new offense within three years of release

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) announces the publication of the 2021 Recidivism Outcome Report, which found that that reincarcerations for new criminal convictions continue to decline. The report, which tracks 4,174 individuals released in 2021 over a three-year period, demonstrates the continued effectiveness of the Department’s rehabilitation and reentry initiatives in strengthening public safety across New Jersey.

The latest report shows that New Jersey’s recidivism rate has reached a new low; only 6% of those released in 2021 were reincarcerated for a new conviction within three years. This reflects a significant long-term downward trend since 2013, dropping approximately 50 percent for both the male (approximately 12 percent to 6 percent) and female (approximately 4 percent to just under 2 percent) release cohort.

“During my time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I helped establish New Jersey’s first federal reentry court and worked on important efforts to help people find jobs, housing, and get back on their feet. I know firsthand that this kind of work can reduce crime and improve lives,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “I’m grateful for the work by Commissioner Kuhn and the Department of Corrections to reduce recidivism and keep our communities safe. While there is more work to be done, New Jersey is moving in the right direction and we will continue these programs that are proven to strengthen public safety.”

"The success of our Department is clearly illustrated in the continued reduction in the State’s recidivism rate," said Commissioner Victoria Kuhn, Esq. "Public safety is most effectively strengthened when rehabilitation is at the heart of our mission. By prioritizing successful reintegration, accountability and a robust offering of educational, vocational, substance use, mental health, and social services, coupled with reentry wrap around resources, the NJDOC directly contributes to the safety and stability of our communities."

Key highlights from the report include:

Significant Decline in New Commitments: Reincarcerations for new criminal convictions have consistently decreased over the last decade, dropping from 12 percent for the 2011 release cohort to only 6 percent for the 2021 cohort.

Long-Term Reductions in Reoffending: Since 2011, overall reoffending events have seen a substantial downward trend; for male releases, reconvictions decreased by 27% and reincarcerations decreased by 19%. A similar positive trend was observed for female releases, with a 21% reduction in reconvictions and a 33% decline in reincarcerations from the 2011 cohort. Reconviction occurs when an individual is found guilty of a new crime within three years of their release, regardless of whether they are sentenced to a term of incarceration.

Effectiveness of Work Release Programs: Individuals who completed a Residential Community Reintegration Program (RCRP) had the lowest percentages of all reoffending events, with only a 12 percent reincarceration rate. Reincarceration is any readmission into the custody of the New Jersey Department of Corrections within three years of release. This encompasses new criminal convictions as well as technical violations of community supervision (e.g., parole violations).

Higher Employment for Vocational Program Participants: Nearly 55 percent of individuals who completed a vocational education program while incarcerated were employed at some point within three years of their release.

Educational Success: The department reported an 86 percent pass rate for incarcerated individuals who participated in mandatory education programming and took the High School Equivalency (HSE) test.

To view the full 2021 Release Recidivism Report, visit: https://www.nj.gov/corrections/pages/Reports/ReleaseOutcomeReports.html

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About New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC)
The mission of NJDOC is to advance public safety and promote successful reintegration in a dignified, safe, secure, rehabilitative, and gender-informed environment, supported by a professional, trained, and diverse workforce, enhanced by community engagement. For more information, visit: NJDOC.gov.