Reentry and recidivism: comparison of veterans and nonveterans in a 3-year state prison release cohort

Abstract

In the United States, 95% of people incarcerated in prisons will eventually return to the community; however, almost half will be rearrested at least once in the first year after release. To better understand risk, need, and responsivity in order to develop reentry policy and programming, this brief report examines whether and how veterans and nonveterans leaving state prison differ on demographics, behavioral health needs, criminal history, and recidivism. Veterans compared to nonveterans leaving incarceration were older, more likely to be White, and more educated and needed more mental health treatment. Veterans had fewer drug offenses, but more sex offenses. Risk to recidivate was lower in veterans compared to nonveterans, yet there was no difference in measured 1-year recidivism. The Department of Veterans Affairs and community service providers may need to tailor programs to meet the differing needs of veterans versus nonveterans, while accounting for race.