For Immediate Release: Monday, March 31, 2025
Media Contact: Zach Carlyle | doc.media@iowa.gov | (515) 415-7235
DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC) has been named a winner of the 2025 StateScoop 50 Awards, receiving the prestigious State IT Innovation of the Year honor for its Evidence-Based Corrections Dashboards. This award highlights the Department’s commitment to leveraging data-driven solutions to improve efficiency, enhance public safety, and support evidence-based decision-making in Corrections.
Developed in collaboration with SAS, the Evidence-Based Corrections Dashboards provide critical insights to improve operations across the Iowa DOC. The dashboards have been instrumental in:
- Managing Public Health: Monitoring and controlling the spread of COVID-19 within correctional facilities.
- Enhancing Decision-Making: Calculating risk scores to support informed parole board placement decisions.
- Supporting Parole Officers: Providing real-time monitoring tools to track individuals post-release and intervene where appropriate to reduce recidivism.
“This recognition underscores the Iowa DOC’s commitment to innovation and data-driven solutions in Corrections,” said DOC Director Dr. Beth Skinner. “By integrating advanced analytics, we are enhancing public safety, improving resource allocation, and ensuring better outcomes for justice-involved individuals.”
“The Evidence-Based Corrections Dashboards have transformed how we use data to support decision-making at every level of our operations," said DOC Research Director Sarah Fineran. "By providing real-time, actionable insights, we are not only improving internal efficiencies but also making a meaningful impact on public safety and rehabilitation efforts."
The StateScoop 50 Awards, now in their 12th year, honor the most influential leaders in state government IT and the most innovative projects that enhance government operations and citizen services. This year’s winners were selected from nearly 200 finalists through a nationwide voting process that received more than 1.25 million votes. The awards will be presented at a reception coinciding with the National Association of State Chief Information Officers’ mid-year conference in Philadelphia. Additionally, winners will be featured in upcoming video interviews and highlighted on StateScoop’s Priorities Podcast.
The full list of winners can be viewed here.
-
About the Iowa Department of Corrections
The Iowa Department of Corrections is making significant strides to implement evidence-based practices system-wide that are proven to reduce victimization, reduce recidivism and enhance community safety. The IDOC is a nationally recognized leader in corrections for innovation and implementation of evidence-based practices. Being on the forefront of innovation and practice, the IDOC continues its commitment to be the best corrections system in the country.
| Iowa DOC - Social Media | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
###