Michigan’s rate of people returning to prison continues its steady decline.
The recidivism rate is now at 29%. That’s an all-time low for the state. It’s a pretty good rate compared to other states, too.
“That’s really what every corrections department across the country wants to see,” Michigan Department of Corrections spokesman Russ Marlan said. “You know you’re doing an effective job of transitioning people from prison back to their communities.”
Marlan says the lower rate translates to safer communities.
Ten years ago, Marlan says the recidivism rate was 43.5%. That’s about the time the state instituted the Michigan Prisoner ReEntry Program. It’s one of a few programs Marlan says have helped a lot. Taken together, the programs help parolees find a job, stable housing and mental health care.
He says the rebounding economy is another factor in the rate.
