RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) – Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) Director Chad Dotson announced on Tuesday that Virginia has achieved one of the lowest recidivism rates for re-incarceration in the nation for the 11th consecutive year.

The 19% recidivism rate in Virginia is the state’s lowest in more than 20 years, according to a release.

Data from VADOC shows the Commonwealth tied with Minnesota for the second-lowest three-year re-incarceration rate for State Responsible inmates. South Carolina had the lowest comparable recidivism rate (18.5%) for FY2020.

“I am pleased to see that Virginia’s recidivism rate has dropped yet again,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Terrance “Terry” Cole. “This shows that so many returning Virginians are making the most of their opportunities to succeed, and that our public safety agencies are working hard to keep Virginia safe and improve lives in the process.”

Virginia waits at least four years to collect all court information to measure the three-year re-incarceration rate. The recidivism rate is compared to 33 other states that have made their comparable recidivism rates publicly available.

Full reports can be found on the Virginia Department of Corrections website.