COVID-19 and California's Early Prison Releases: Shocking Outcomes Revealed for 15,000 Former Inmates

Data from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation reveals that nearly one-third of inmates released early by Governor Gavin Newsom due to the pandemic returned to prison. Between April 2020 and December 2021, approximately 4,600 of the nearly 14,800 released offenders reoffended. Most returned for non-violent crimes, with gun possession and assault being the leading causes. Experts suggest inadequate support networks contributed to recidivism, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals transitioning back into society without essential resources.