OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Jay Inslee said the state should be proud of programs he said have prevented offenders from reoffending after they’re released from state prisons.
But Inslee said more needs to be done and is looking to those who have served time to see what else the state should be doing.
During a panel discussion in Olympia, the Department of Corrections said the state has seen a drop in recidivism rates in recent years.
Corrections Secretary Cheryl Strange said programs that give offenders an education and job skills will help them get settled when they’re released, noting 95% of the state’s offenders will eventually be released.
According to state figures, in 2015, 34% of offenders committed another felony within three years of their release.
In 2020, that number dropped to 22%.
"There's hardly a more successful anti-crime effort than this one right here on this graph,” said Inslee, D-Washington, “We ought to be proud of it in the state of Washington, and we’re not done yet."
Ty Reed was one of three panelists in the Wednesday meeting who has been arrested.
”I was a pretty successful sales and business development representative working for a Fortune 50 company in 2007 but was harboring a pretty dark secret: I was addicted to alcohol and crack,” said Reed.
He was arrested several times for drug and theft-related crimes.
Reed now helps recently released offenders find work through the state’s Employment Security Department.
He told the governor his clients would like to see more mental health counseling offered inside facilities.
Reed testified in favor of legislation earlier this year requiring the Department of Corrections to give all outgoing offenders state ID cards to help them secure housing, jobs, and benefits.
He also started a non-profit organization, Recovery Career Services, helping those in recovery and former offenders rebuild their lives.
“It has really been community, and family, and support that has surrounded me, and helped me get to the place I’m able to give back to the community,” said Reed, “I feel really honored, and believe me, I’m the luckiest guy you know.”