Assessment of Prisoner Reentry Programs and Recidivism in the District of Columbia (2000-2009)

The State Justice Statistics (SJS) Program is designed to maintain and enhance each state's capacity to address criminal justice issues through collection and analysis of data. The SJS Program provides support to each state to coordinate and conduct statistical activities within the state, conduct research to estimate impacts of legislative and policy changes, and serve as a liaison in assisting BJS to gather data from respondent agencies within their states.
The DC SAC, located in the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), will use SJS funds to collect and analyze data on prisoner reentry programs and initiatives that were implemented in the District from 2000 to 2009. The SAC will identify the number and types of agencies involved in prisoner reentry programs, the form and nature of the initiatives undertaken, and the agencies' program implementation plans, objectives, and results attained. The SAC will also collect and report on the number of prisoners served and calculate the completion and recidivism rates for each of the responsible agencies. The objective of this project is to use quantifiable evidentiary data on completion and recidivism rates to help inform public policy on the impact of prisoner reentry programs. The SAC will also attempt to complete a cost-benefit assessment of prisoner reentry programs. The SAC will prepare a final report to summarize its key findings, identify any observed program shortcomings, and outline recommendations to strengthen the implementation and monitoring of these program initiatives. CA/NCF