Majority of Delaware inmates return to crime after release

A new report on recidivism in Delaware shows more than 75 percent of prisoners are rearrested within three years of their release.

The report released today by the Delaware Criminal Justice Council Statistical Analysis Center is the first study of recidivism in Delaware in more than 10 years.  

The report, which studied prisoners released in 2008 and 2009, shows more than half of those sentenced to one year or more were rearrested within one year after their release. More than 75 percent were rearrested within three years of their release.

“Too many people released from our prisons go on to commit more crimes. We need to change that,” said Delaware Gov. Jack Markell. Last year, Markell signed a law that mandates an annual report on recidivism rates so state leaders can understand the need for better re-entry measures. “This report gives us benchmarks for measuring progress as we pursue new strategies to prevent crime and reduce recidivism.”

The study found the highest rates for recidivism among offenders convicted of property offenses and found lower rates for those serving time for violent crimes or drug offenses. Inmates under the age of 24 had significantly higher recidivism rates than those over 45, and men were more likely to return to the prison system than women.

The report will be updated every year with the latest numbers. “The data released today can help us measure the effectiveness of programs, both in and outside of prison, targeted to helping offenders become productive members of society while improving public safety,” Markell said.