Part 7/10:
The results were impressive: 34 states collaborated with Recidiviz during the pandemic, and these states safely released approximately 25,000 individuals—three times the rate of states not using their models. Most of those released had less than six months left to serve for non-violent offenses. Importantly, these early releases were not arbitrary but driven by data, showing that targeted, informed reduction of prison populations is both feasible and effective.
Moving Toward Sustainable Reform
The pandemic highlighted an essential truth: underfunded correctional systems can’t sustain current incarceration levels, especially amidst budget cuts. However, with the strategic use of data, states can reduce populations safely and improve system efficiency without compromising safety.