Reduce Recidivism

More of the Story

Recidivism rates are often used to measure the success of policies and programs working to reduce crime and/or support people in re-entering society after incarceration. Reducing recidivism requires allowing people to re-enter the community and access resources necessary to lead successful lives. A conviction history or criminal record can produce barriers to a successful re-entry, excluding those with criminal histories from securing housing, going to school, voting, getting a job, and getting an occupational license. Recidivism has been trending in the wrong direction since 2017.

National statistics show that men of color, particularly Black men, are arrested and incarcerated at disproportionate rates, and Bexar County statistics align with these findings.

A 2018 estimate of unemployment among the five million formerly incarcerated people living in the U.S. found that they are unemployed at a rate of over 27%.