Offender Recidivism

CDCR reports recidivism rates (arrests, convictions, and returns to prison) through our Recidivism Data Dashboard. The three-year conviction rate is CDCR’s primary measure of recidivism (for more information, please see the Evaluation Design Section of our Recidivism Report Series below). Data are available by offender demographics and characteristics for people released from a CDCR adult institution since Fiscal Year 2008-09 and can be explored interactively by time and place.

Recidivism Reports

Offenders released during a given fiscal year from a CDCR adult institution are followed for a three-year follow-up period. CDCR reports arrests, convictions, and returns to prison. CDCR’s primary measure of recidivism has changed over time. Beginning with the Recidivism Report for Offenders Released in Fiscal Year 2011-12, CDCR’s primary measure of recidivism is the three-year conviction rate. The three-year conviction rate is reported by offender demographics (e.g. race, age) and characteristics (e.g. commitment offense, length of stay). Arrests and returns to prison are provided as supplemental measures of recidivism. The Recidivism Report series was previously referred to as the Outcome Evaluation series.

• Recidivism Report for Offenders Released in Fiscal Year 2017-18
• Recidivism Report for Offenders Released in Fiscal Year 2016-17
• Recidivism Report for Offenders Released in Fiscal Year 2015-16
• Recidivism Report for Offenders Released in Fiscal Year 2014-15
  • Appendix to the Recidivism Report for Offenders Released in Fiscal Year 2014-15
• Recidivism Report for Offenders Released in Fiscal Year 2013-14
• Recidivism Report for Offenders Released in Fiscal Year 2012-13
• Recidivism Report for Offenders Released in Fiscal Year 2011-12

Fire Camp Recidivism

• Recidivism Rates of Fire Camp Participants Released from CDCR in Fiscal Year 2014-15

To request historical reports, please email the Office of Research Data Concierge Service: data.requests@cdcr.ca.gov.