For their Recidivism Report, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction defines recidivism as a return to incarceration in an Ohio prison for conviction of a new criminal offense or a technical violation of the conditions of post-release supervision. The recidivism rate reported here refers to the percent of inmates released in a calendar year who are returned for either of these reasons within three years of the date of their release.

Data are reported by the Cuyahoga County Office of Innovation and Performance on an annual basis.

As a society, individuals who commit crimes must be held accountable. However, correctional facilities should strive to rehabilitate individuals and prepare them to rejoin their communities, as the vast majority of incarcerated individuals will one day be released. It is imperative for public safety that correctional facilities have the resources and capabilities to reduce recidivism.

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction 

• Month of update: November, with a 1-year lag.