Oregon leads the country with the lowest rate of recidivism, at about 22%. Such a low rate of recidivism rivals Norway and countries that have the lowest rates in the world. The Pew Center published a report (PDF) in April 2011 that compared rates of recidivism between all the states. Oregon was the very lowest, with the lowest rates of crimes committed within 3 years of release and low incidents of re-incarceration for probation and parole violations.
The Pew report examines data from 2004 through 2007. During that time, prisoners released in Oregon in 2004 experienced a recidivism rate of 22.8% through 2007. Not only was this the lowest rate of recidivism, but Oregon also had the biggest decline in recidivism rates from 1999 to 2004, at 32% decrease.
Oregon credits a comprehensive approach to control recidivism, including the probation officers, judges, and the prisons. While a person is still incarcerated a detailed transition planning process begins, at about six months before release. The prisoners needs and risks are assessed and these findings are addressed in their probation transition and throughout the time a person is under supervision.
A uniform system of sanctions is applied throughout the state for violations of the rules of probation or parole. The consequences for lack of compliance are swift and consistent throughout the state. Short jail sentences may be imposed but it is rare for a person to be returned to prison for a lengthy sentence for non-compliance with rules of probation. The rate of return to prison for probation and parole violations was 3.3% in 2004, down from 5.9% in 1999. By comparison Virginia's rate of incarceration for probation violations is about 5%, down from 8% in 1999. California had 40% re-incarceration, down from 47% in 1999 and Missouri also shares the top spot with 40% re-incarceration, up from 34% in 1999. All of these figures are taken from the Pew center report.
Besides the comprehensive approach throughout the state, Oregon has also passed legislation that requires any efforts by correctional programs financed with state money to be evidence-based in its design and delivery. This has caused Oregon to continuously test and evaluate the methods they used to rehabilitate in the prisons and to assist former prisoners in their transition back to normal life and to help them assume responsibility for their success. It also causes Oregon to continue to implement refinements to its programs as indicated by the ongoing testing and evaluation.
The tools to lowering crime and recidivism are becoming more clear, and Oregon provides an example for the rest of the nation and the world. It is demonstrated over and over that criminal justice systems are only going to meet their goals by focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration, and by moving away from the pure punishment ideas that have dominated political discourse since the mid 1980's. While it may be expedient to proclaim one is tough on crime, and to pass laws to make stricter punishments and mandatory minimum sentences, the public is far better served by realizing that most prisoners are going to be re-introduced to society at some point, and by preparing them accordingly.
Pew Study on Recidivism (PDF)
Pew Study Finds Low Recidivism Rate in Oregon Prisons
Study Hails Oregon's Recidivism Reduction Even As Funding Cuts Threaten It
Pew study: Wyoming, Oregon post lowest prison recidivism rates