(LANSING) - Michigan corrections officials say a program that provides state identification to inmates before release is helping drive the state's recidivism rate to a historic low.
Since launching in 2020, the Michigan Department of Corrections' Returning Citizens Identification Program has supplied about 30,000 inmates with essential documents, including government-issued photo IDs, in partnership with the Michigan Department of State.
Officials say access to identification upon release is critical for securing employment, housing and education. Without proper documents, obtaining replacements for items such as Social Security cards or birth certificates can take months, delaying reentry into society.
Michigan reports a recidivism rate of 21%, the lowest in state history. The state prison population has also declined, with 32,348 inmates as of January, down from 33,617 at the end of 2020.
Corrections leaders say the department's Offender Success Administration also helps inmates gather records of completed educational programs, vocational training and other credentials before release, efforts aimed at improving long-term outcomes and public safety.
Supporters of the program say providing identification in advance reduces the likelihood of homelessness, unemployment and reoffending among parolees.
Lawmakers passed legislation in 2024 that would have required the state to obtain identification documents for inmates nearing release, but Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed the bills on technical grounds while expressing support for the underlying policy goals.
Challenges remain for people released on short notice after wrongful convictions are overturned. Because exonerees may leave custody within hours or days of court rulings, they often do not receive identification before release, creating additional barriers to housing and employment.
According to national data, several people in Michigan are exonerated each year, and advocates say ensuring they have identification is a key step in helping them rebuild their lives.