Report One-Third of All California Prisoners Released Early During COVID Ended Up Back In Prison

A new analysis from CalMatters shows that over 30% of California inmates released early during the COVID-19 pandemic ended up back in prison for new crimes. Between April 2020 and December 2021, approximately 15,000 inmates were released, resulting in about 4,600 (31%) being re-convicted by January 31, 2025. The majority of crimes committed were non-violent, with illegal gun possession (14%) and assault (10%) being the most common offenses. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed that nonviolent offenders tend to recidivate at higher rates, aligning with expectations for this demographic. While the recidivism rate raises concerns, nearly 70% of those released did not re-offend, suggesting some effectiveness of the early release program.

Advocates for re-entry programs emphasized the absence of structured support during the early release period, which may have hindered successful reintegration. The analysis highlights both the challenges and successes of the early release initiative during a time of crisis. The findings prompt a reevaluation of support systems for released inmates to improve outcomes.