Honoring Veterans in Corrections: Their Contributions and Challenges

In this issue of American Jails magazine, we celebrate our nation’s veterans and their contributions to our safety and security. For many, what started as a commitment to serving our nation, became a commitment to serve their local community as a corrections officer—sworn to protect something we all cherish.

The uniform and the structured environment are familiar and welcomed by corrections officers who are veterans. There are many other aspects of the job that also align with their military experience. The discipline, adaptability and work ethic that successfully got them through military service are highly sought-after skillsets in corrections as well. Staying calm under pressure—and often while working long hours—are also characteristics that most veterans possess.

Many jails focus some aspect of their recruiting efforts on veterans, and some localities offer special incentives for veterans to make the transition into corrections. In short, the traits we all recognize and honor in our veterans make them prime candidates for a career in corrections.

Unfortunately, some of the parallels between military service and working in corrections are not welcomed. Primarily, the potential of being involved in a critical incident and the possibility of that causing stress or even a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

With a commitment to service to others comes a commitment to caring for oneself. You know the old saying, “You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.” No where is that truer than in corrections. This can be particularly true for veterans who may have been exposed previously to traumatic events over the course of their service to our country.

If you are a veteran who has made the transition to corrections, I encourage you to become familiar with any support services your agency provides before you might need them. There is also a national Veteran’s Crisis Hotline that you or your loved ones can access by dialing 988 or online at www.veteranscrisisline.net. They provide confidential support 24/7 and also offer an online chat or text feature.

Thank you for your service to our great country and to our local communities. Be safe and take care of yourself.

CHRIS D. DANIELS, MPA, CAE Executive Director American Jail Association