Virginia Has Lowest Recidivism Rate in Country

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NBC 29 Staff – NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and Weather

RICHMOND, Va. (WVIR) - The governor's office announced Tuesday that Virginia has the lowest recidivism rate in the country.

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This means that a little more than 23 percent of those incarcerated are behind bars again within three years of their release.

Of the 45 states crunching these numbers, Virginia comes out on top.

Governor Terry McAuliffe attributes this to more steps taken in recent years to help offenders find ways to ready for life after prison.

"Lower recidivism rates means fewer crimes, fewer victims, and a safer commonwealth," McAuliffe said. "Of course, lower recidivism means a real shot at a second chance for people who have made a mistake."

Virginia's recidivism rate actually went up slightly this year, however, the Department of Corrections says this is due to more inmates coming in with mental health problems.

That population is more likely to re-offend, but all other groups are becoming less likely to return to jail or prison.