Recognizing and Supporting Veterans in Our Jails
Jim Martin, MPSA, CCHP
A law enforcement brother of mine was killed when a bomb exploded near his Humvee in which he was riding in the City of Muqdadiya, north of Baghdad on October 11, 2005. I didn’t know him well, but what I did know was that his personality was contagious, and everyone loved being around him. He was a young star and was rising quickly. An Army Ranger, he was known to say, “I want to be the kind of guy who walks the walk. Let some other guy talk the talk.” For three years, he served his community and the Sheriff’s Office with honor, but disliked the politics associated with the job and re-enlisted in the military. Think about that; he disliked the politics associated with the job. Now ask yourself, are we doing enough to support our veterans?
The contributions made by those who work in jails frequently go unnoticed and are overlooked but their need is vital for the safety of the community. The key to these professionals is found in our definition of integrity…doing the right thing when no one is around to watch. Our jails are filled with those of integrity and among those dedicated men and women who serve are veterans who bring a unique and invaluable set of skills and experiences. The transition from military service to law enforcement offers an ideal opportunity for veterans to continue their commitment to protecting their communities and fostering a sense of security.
Earlier this summer, the American Jail Association established the AJA Veterans Committee for 2023–2024. Chaired by Captain Anthony Yeber of the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department and Chief Deputy Henry Reyes of the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, the committee will strive to support the following initiatives:
• Identify effective programs for veterans working in corrections.
• Identify effective veteran’s programs and reentry activities across the country.
• Advise the AJA Board of Directors and Executive Committee of any initiatives that should be created or gaps that need to be filled to support our veterans.
As a retired Sheriff’s Deputy and Assistant Jail Commander, United States Marine and a veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, I am proud to be part of this committee and to share some of my experiences.
The Significant Role Veterans Play in Our Jails
One of the most significant benefits that veterans bring to law enforcement is their disciplined training and leadership skills instilled in them during their military service. Veterans have undergone rigorous training, refining their ability to remain calm under pressure, think critically, and make split-second decisions. These skills are vital in the
dynamic and high-stress situations that jail officers face regularly. Their background equips them to take charge, assess risks, and lead their teams effectively, thereby ensuring the safety of both their fellow officers and the public.
Veterans are not only committed to serving their country, but they also uphold strong ethical values, which align perfectly with the principles of law enforcement. Integrity, honesty, and a sense of duty are deeply ingrained in their character. Jails can rely on veterans to act ethically, treat citizens fairly, and adhere to the law without compromise. This level of trustworthiness is essential for maintaining public confidence in our nation’s jails.
Having served in diverse and challenging environments, veterans often possess exceptional de-escalation and conflict resolution skills. Their ability to defuse tense situations and handle interpersonal conflicts is an asset when dealing with the public. Veterans are more likely to approach situations with empathy, understanding, and a focus on peaceful resolutions, which can help prevent incidents from escalating into unnecessary confrontations.
The military is a melting pot of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. This open-mindedness is an essential attribute for jail professionals who work with communities of various backgrounds, ensuring they treat everyone with fairness and respect, regardless of their differences.
Veterans have demonstrated their ability to adapt to challenging situations and navigate through unpredictable circumstances. The ever-changing landscape that the jail environment demands requires officers who can think on their feet and devise creative solutions. Veterans bring a wealth of experience in adapting to new environments and handling complex challenges, which can prove invaluable in the field of law enforcement.
The contributions of veterans in our nation’s jails are invaluable to the safety and well-being of society. Their disciplined training, leadership abilities, ethical values, de-escalation skills, and respect for diversity make them well-suited for the demands of this critical profession. Our jails stand to gain considerably by actively recruiting veterans, not only for their unique skill sets but also for the dedication and sense of duty they bring to their roles.
As a nation, we must recognize the importance of supporting veterans’ transition into a career in our jails and ensure they receive the necessary resources and training to excel in their new careers.
Recognizing Veterans Within Our Ranks
As we reflect on Veteran’s Day and those who have served and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, think about how you can acknowledge the veterans in our ranks. Recognizing our veterans can be a meaningful way to honor their service and leverage their unique skills and experiences. Here are some methods to identify and acknowledge the veterans who serve in our jails:
• Voluntary Self-Identification—allow officers to voluntarily disclose their veteran status during the hiring process or through internal surveys. This approach ensures privacy and allows veterans to decide if they want to share their military background.
• Training Records—check the training records of law enforcement officers for any military courses or certifications they might have completed during their service.
• Utilize Military Skills in Law Enforcement—recognize and leverage the unique skills and experiences that veterans bring to the law enforcement profession, such as leadership teamwork, crisis management, and problem-solving.
• Service Awards and Decorations—veterans often receive various awards and decorations during their military service. Acknowledge and recognize these honors to identify veterans among law enforcement personnel.
• Military Insignia or Indicators—some veterans might wear symbols or pins indicating their military service on their uniforms or accessories. Familiarize yourself with these identifiers to recognize veterans in the law enforcement agency.
• Holding Events or Ceremonies—organize events or ceremonies to recognize and honor law enforcement officers who are veterans. This can foster a sense of camaraderie and respect within the agency.
• Support and Accommodate Veterans—provide support and accommodations for veterans transitioning from military to law enforcement careers. Offer resources like mental health services and assistance programs to help them adjust to civilian life.
Recognizing the veterans who work with us should be a way to value the diverse experiences and backgrounds that our officers bring to the profession.
Supporting Our Veterans Behind the Walls
There are many programs in our Nation’s jails that provide services and unique programming to our veterans who are incarcerated. Supporting veterans in our jails is essential to address their unique needs and challenges resulting from their military service and involvement in the criminal justice system. Here are some things that we have found that may assist you as you consider special veteran programs in your facility:
• Establish specialized programs within correctional facilities that focus on the needs of incarcerated veterans. These programs can include mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, vocational training, educational opportunities, and reintegration support.
• Recognize and address the potential trauma experienced by veterans during their service and incarceration. Implement trauma-informed care approaches in correctional settings to create a more supportive and understanding environment.
• Develop peer support programs where incarcerated veterans can connect and share experiences with one another. This can help create a sense of camaraderie and understanding among veterans, which may positively impact their well-being.
• Foster collaboration between correctional facilities and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This can involve sharing information, resources, and best practices to improve the continuity of care for veterans transitioning from incarceration to the community.
• Start comprehensive pre-release planning for incarcerated veterans to ensure they have access to appropriate services and support upon release. This could include connecting them with housing assistance, employment opportunities, and mental health services.
• Work with Veteran Justice Outreach (VJO) programs, which are part of the VA, to identify incarcerated veterans, assess their needs, and ensure they receive appropriate services and benefits both during their incarceration and after release.
• Collaborate with community organizations and employers to facilitate employment opportunities for veterans upon their release. Stable employment is crucial for successful reintegration into society and reducing the risk of recidivism.
• Offer legal assistance to incarcerated veterans who may be eligible for benefits or services they are not currently receiving. This can help address issues related to military discharge status or service-connected disabilities.
• Ensure access to mental health and substance abuse treatment tailored to the needs of veterans. Many veterans may struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health challenges, which must be addressed effectively.
• Recognize the importance of family support in the rehabilitation and reintegration process. Encourage communication between incarcerated veterans and their families and provide support to families dealing with the challenges of having a loved one in the corrections system.
By implementing these strategies, jails can better support veterans who are incarcerated. Ultimately, this will improve their well-being and increase their chances of successful reintegration into the community after they are released from your facility.
"Veterans have undergone rigorous training, refining their ability to remain calm under pressure, think critically, and make split-second decisions. These skills are vital in the dynamic and high-stress situations that jail officers face regularly."
Conclusion
Our Nations’ veterans are a precious commodity. Both those who serve our law enforcement ranks, and those struggling to cope living in a world that does not appreciate their service or doesn’t understand the inner demons they are facing. For us, we have an opportunity to do both.
We have an awesome opportunity to support and celebrate those who have served and continue to serve in different uniforms. We have an awesome opportunity to lend a helpful hand to those who never completely returned home or integrated back into the community they promised to protect. To whichever opportunity you dare to support, the hopes of a grateful Nation stand behind you while we still have that chance. God bless you. God bless our Veterans. God bless the United States of America.
_________________________________________
Jim Martin, MPSA, CCHP, is a Marine Corps veteran and served nearly 23 years in Law Enforcement, serving as a Lieutenant and Assistant Jail Commander with the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office in Indiana. His duties included serving as the command staff liaison for the Jail’s medical unit and the Community Mental Health Task Force. Now, Jim is the Chief Operating Officer for Physician Correctional, USA, a correctional health care company serving jails and prison health care needs. For more information, he can be contacted at (812) 449-3023 or jmartin@pcusa.us.