|TRENTON, N.J. — A newly released report from the New Jersey Department of Corrections shows a continued drop in people returning to prison for new crimes, with just 6% of individuals released in 2021 reincarcerated for a new conviction within three years.
The 2021 Recidivism Outcome Report tracked 4,174 people released from state custody and found the state’s new-offense reincarceration rate has reached its lowest level in more than a decade.
According to the report, reincarcerations for new criminal convictions have steadily declined since 2011, when the rate stood at 12% for those released. By 2021, that number had dropped by about half.
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The report also found that overall reoffending has declined over time. Since 2011, reconvictions fell by 27% for men and 21% for women, while reincarcerations dropped by 19% and 33%, respectively.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill credited reentry efforts with helping people find stability after release.
“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,” Sherrill said. “I know firsthand that this kind of work can reduce crime and improve lives.”
Commissioner Victoria Kuhn said the report reflects the department’s focus on rehabilitation.
“The success of our Department is clearly illustrated in the continued reduction in the State’s recidivism rate,” Kuhn said. “Public safety is most effectively strengthened when rehabilitation is at the heart of our mission.”
Work release and vocational programs show impact
The report highlights lower reoffending rates among people who participated in structured reentry programming.
Individuals who completed a Residential Community Reintegration Program had some of the lowest rates of reoffending, with a 12% overall reincarceration rate, which includes both new convictions and supervision violations.
Education and job training also showed measurable outcomes. Nearly 55% of people who completed vocational programming were employed at some point within three years of release.
In addition, 86% of incarcerated individuals who participated in mandatory education programming passed the high school equivalency exam.
Early months remain critical after release
The report found that the risk of returning to custody is highest shortly after release.
More than half — 53% — of those who were reincarcerated returned within the first year, with recidivism events peaking in the first two months.
The findings underscore the importance of immediate post-release support, including housing, employment and supervision resources.
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