Virginia touts a low recidivism rate. Corrections’ own research says it’s due to COVID-19.

Virginia touts a low recidivism rate. Corrections’ own research says it’s due to COVID-19.

Last week, Virginia’s prison system announced it had achieved a “best-in-class” recidivism rate. Compared with 31 other states across the United States, Virginia announced the lowest rate of prisoners committing new crimes and returning into the prison system. Of the more than 12,000 individuals released from prison, 17.6% had returned to prison within three years, the Virginia Department of Corrections said. “This achievement is a collective wi…