For Immediate Release: Monday, Sept. 8, 2025
Media Contact: Zach Carlyle | zach.carlyle@iowa.gov | (515) 415-7235
DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC) announced today a notable reduction in the state’s recidivism rate, with the most recent figure for the FY22–25 cohort standing at 32.8%. This represents a 3% decrease from last year and marks the lowest recidivism rate observed in the last decade.
Recidivism is defined as the return of an individual to an Iowa prison within three years following a previous term of incarceration.
Under Director Beth Skinner’s leadership, the DOC has demonstrated a consistent decline in recidivism. When her tenure began in 2019, the three-year recidivism rate was 38.9%. Today’s rate of 32.8% reflects a total decrease of 6.1 percentage points during her appointment.
This achievement reflects the Department’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting successful reintegration into the community. Several implementation efforts have contributed to this reduction, including:
- Prioritizing institutional and community-based treatment for high-risk individuals
- Continuously utilizing evidence-based practices
- Aligning and improving reentry practices
- Increasing access to treatment, education and vocational opportunities
- Training staff in core correctional practices (CCP)
- Enhancing case management training
Building on the foundation of Governor Kim Reynolds’ landmark legislation, Senate File 514, which streamlined and aligned state agencies across government — including those in Corrections and Public Safety — the Department advanced additional key practices to strengthen reentry and reduce recidivism. With the transition of Judicial Districts under direct state supervision, the DOC enhanced its review processes for revocations to ensure that only those who truly needed to return to prison were revoked, while others could be safely managed in the community. In addition, a structured response matrix was implemented to guide decision-making, equipping staff with evidence-based options that balanced accountability with opportunities for rehabilitation. These initiatives — rooted in the Governor’s vision for coordinated public safety and rehabilitation — have been instrumental in achieving Iowa’s meaningful reductions in recidivism.
"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. "Through the leadership of Director Skinner and the dedicated staff at the Department of Corrections, incarcerated individuals are held accountable and also provided with opportunities for rehabilitation and successful reentry. This achievement demonstrates the power of collaboration and our continued commitment to public safety for every Iowan.”
"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 Director Skinner. "I am incredibly proud of the dedicated staff across our prison facilities, community-based corrections, and central office who bring this vision to life every day, and I want to recognize the commitment of our staff who are changing lives for those under our supervision and making our communities safer. Together, we are proving that accountability and opportunity can go hand-in-hand, and that Iowa can be a national leader in reducing recidivism and creating safer communities."
The DOC remains dedicated to long-term strategies for further reducing recidivism in Iowa, emphasizing collaboration with state agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups to improve reentry practices for returning citizens.
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About the Iowa Department of Corrections
The Iowa Department of Corrections is making significant strides to implement evidence-based practices system-wide that are proven to reduce victimization, reduce recidivism and enhance community safety. The IDOC is a nationally recognized leader in corrections for innovation and implementation of evidence-based practices. Being on the forefront of innovation and practice, the IDOC continues its commitment to be the best corrections system in the country.
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