Gov. Mike Braun signed two executive orders designed to enhance Indiana’s corrections system by addressing recidivism rates and improving conditions for correctional officers.
The first executive order, 25-46, focuses on helping inmates transition successfully back into society. The directive aims to lower reoffending rates by prioritizing employment and housing opportunities for released individuals.
According to state data, the recidivism rate for inmates who secure employment drops from 52% to 16%. Conversely, those released without stable housing are 50% more likely to reoffend. The order directs the Indiana Department of Correction to work with community partners to expand temporary housing programs and employment pathways, ensuring smoother reentry processes.
The second order, 25-47, targets the high turnover rates among correctional officers by implementing measures to improve working conditions and job satisfaction. Indiana’s correctional staff oversees more than 24,000 inmates across 21 facilities. The directive includes initiatives like developing a four-week pre-service academic program for new hires, providing on-the-job training, and tracking detailed retention metrics by facility, shift and other factors. Employee feedback will also play a role in shaping future strategies, with the use of surveys and exit interviews to refine retention efforts.
“Our corrections officers have a really tough job, and do it exceptionally well,” Braun said. “Today, I’m taking action to make sure we retain our great correctional employees with a comprehensive approach to employee retention. Hoosiers are safer when inmates have a clear pathway toward gainful employment and stable housing after they are released.”
These actions build on Braun’s history of addressing correctional issues, including his role in passing the bipartisan Federal Prison Oversight Act during his tenure in the U.S. Senate.
To learn more, visit the executive orders page at www.in.gov/gov/executive-orders.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
He sponsored the Federal Prison Oversight bill but Congress won’t FUND the bill! What good is a bill that exists only on paper? It passed with overwhelming bipartisan support yet it’s an empty promise. Once again another one of our governments half truths they tell the public. Yes, it passed but no it’s never been implemented because the clause in the bill says in order for the oversight to begin- it has to be funded. Only then will the time clock start & they would have 60 days to get this oversight in place. Research for yourself- you’ll see. If you want to learn more- we talk about this in a private Facebook group: FIRST-Network.