Announcing the 2025 Data-Driven Corrections Awards Winners
At Recidiviz, we believe in the power of data and technology to transform the criminal justice system, empowering staff, improving public safety, and creating more rehabilitative pathways for individuals. Each year, our Data-Driven Corrections Awards celebrate the states that are leading this charge, demonstrating exceptional commitment to innovation and measurable impact.
We are thrilled to announce the five deserving winners of the 2025 Data-Driven Corrections Awards, recognized for their groundbreaking work across various critical areas. These agencies exemplify how strategic policy, dedicated staff, and cutting-edge tools can create seismic shifts in corrections and community supervision. The awards, held at Stand Together in Arlington, Virginia, were presented by our CEO Clementine Jacoby and former Baltimore Ravens player Matt Lawrence. Lawrence addressed the audience of corrections leaders from 22 states, emphasizing how effective leaders integrate data and culture. He highlighted the importance of this approach in corrections to show staff their impact on individuals' lives and outcomes.
Facilities Staff Engagement Award: Tennessee Department of Correction
The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) was honored for the engagement of its facilities staff. TDOC is a leader in providing real-time data and technology to its case managers and leadership, which they consistently use to support incarcerated individuals on their most rehabilitative path. In 2025, this commitment led to reduced costs by safely increasing the utilization of work release and minimum custody units, while simultaneously reducing rates of institutional violence.
"Our facilities leadership didn't just launch a tool—they executed a strategy," said Frank Strada, TDOC Commissioner. "By leveraging data, we’ve empowered our staff to make a tangible difference in both operational efficiency and public safety."
Supervision Staff Engagement Award: Idaho Department of Correction
The Idaho Department of Correction's (IDOC) Probation & Parole staff were recognized for their outstanding effort and commitment to supporting individuals on parole and probation. IDOC’s supervision staff were honored for achieving the highest rate of engagement on the Recidiviz platform among all partner states. This award is a testament to their dedication to public safety and positive client outcomes.
"Our partnership with Recidiviz has been instrumental in aligning our staff around a clear directive: providing consistent support and accountability for those on supervision," said Brian Underwood, IDOC Chief of Probation and Parole. "This award is a testament to the dedication of our team and our commitment to public safety and positive outcomes."
Trailblazer Award: Massachusetts Department of Correction
The Massachusetts Department of Correction (MADOC) received the Trailblazer Award for its pioneering spirit and innovative use of data and technology to drive better outcomes. This year, the Trailblazer winner was chosen by votes from leaders of all partner states. MA DOC was recognized by its peers for pushing the envelope on innovation, empowering thousands of residents in the re-entry prep process through an innovative tablet app that connects people within their prisons to data about their sentence.
Shawn Jenkins, MA DOC Commissioner, stated, "Our team has embraced innovation to empower residents in their reentry journey, and this recognition is a testament to their hard work and dedication."
Excellence in Supervision Award: Utah Department of Corrections
The Utah Department of Corrections (UDC) was honored for leading the nation in safely moving people onto their best path through community supervision. UDC achieved a very high rate of people on supervision who qualify for safe early termination, and their staff are fast and diligent at reviewing every eligible client. They have effectively used the Recidiviz Corrections Platform to implement and maximize the full potential of their state policies, saving taxpayer dollars and creating second chances.
"We are incredibly proud of our team's dedication to safely guiding individuals toward successful lives in the community," said Jared Garcia, UDC Executive Director. "This award is a testament to our commitment to data-driven policies and our staff's diligent execution."
Excellence in Facilities Award: Michigan Department of Corrections
The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) was recognized for setting the gold standard for operational efficiency and data-driven policy design in their facilities. MDOC was the clear winner across all metrics for this award, exemplified by their approach to restrictive housing: staff conducted the nation’s most timely reviews of people being considered for release and reviewed the highest proportion of potentially eligible residents.
"Our work on restrictive housing demonstrates how data and policy, when aligned, can streamline systems, improve staff workload, and provide incarcerated people with clear paths forward," said Heidi E. Washington, MDOC Director.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners of the 2025 Data-Driven Corrections Awards. Your dedication to innovation and commitment to improving outcomes are truly inspiring and set a high standard for the entire field. We are proud to partner with these agencies and look forward to continuing to support their groundbreaking work.
