Beyond the Responsibilities of the Job
Iman Jackson
With new emerging technologies, evolving policies, and a growing focus on rehabilitation, the future of corrections is being redefined, creating a system for greater humanity and effectiveness. There has been a shift in the approach of rehabilitation by incorporating programs that focus on education, vocational training, and mental health programs, which have supported those who are incarcerated. These processes equip inmates with the skills necessary for successful integration into society. Through this comprehensive approach, the agency continues to invest not only in safer facilities, but in brighter futures for the individuals we serve.
As part of their commitment to address the challenges that individuals face upon release, the Prince William County Adult Detention Center has created a Reentry Center, which has made them the recipient of the Virginia Association of Counties award. The VACo Achievement Award is a highly sought-after acknowledgement from the state, which recognizes excellence in local government programs. The Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center was one of 57 recipients out of 155 counties from across the state submitting entries addressing various challenges and solutions. The Virginia Association of Counties Achievement Awards encourage improvements on a local level and encourage the implementation of innovative and forward-thinking initiatives. The awards are important in promoting excellence in local government by recognizing innovative programs to improve community services.
Under the leadership of Colonel West, who has been with the Prince William-Manassas Adult Detention Center for 23 years, the Reentry Center was created. The Reentry Center has created opportunities for all individuals upon their release. The Reentry Center includes pamphlets to assist those individuals and their families in finding the assistance they need. Using an empty office space in the lower lobby within the jail, it has been transformed into a welcoming, functional space designed to make it the best connection for an individual to ensure public safety by providing convenient access to resources, guidance, and tools that support their success and personal growth to be a better individual in the community.
Before the Reentry Center was created, there were individuals that were underserved and lacked the resources. There were individuals who were able to post bonds or make it through pretrial, and typically are unable to receive the knowledge from the programs within the jail. Through this observation, officers of the ADC saw fit for a shift in how the individuals who are being released needed resources. Ultimately, the mission was to increase public safety by putting someone back into the community who is better off than when they arrived at the jail. The Re-entry Center is one more opportunity for an individual to seek guidance upon being released.
In most instances, once an individual is released from the correctional facility, they are no longer in the detention center’s care. The Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center has gone the extra mile to provide resources for individuals who have sought assistance or need something. The Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center programs cover life skills, job placement, education, religion, substance use disorders, mental health, and so much more. In some cases, just providing food for an individual to get them through a few days until they are stable. The Reentry Center provides connections to resources within the community to help with housing, travel, or medication, and that has been the help that an individual needs for a new beginning. The ADC tailor’s reentry to the needs of the individual. The objective is to reduce recidivism.
Reducing Recidivism
“To conduct rehabilitative programs which reduce the likelihood of recidivism among prisoners released from the Detention Center.”
The Reentry Center at the Adult Detention Center has assisted over 500 individuals to date. With highly requested assistance being that of phone calls for transportation, food assistance, clothing, as some individuals may come into the facility in the summer and released later in the middle of the cold season, the Reentry Center will provide pants or jackets for individuals or suits for a job interview. The Adult Detention Center’s efforts are extended into providing Medication Assisted Treatments (MAT) for those with substance use issues and are seeking help. These programs are in place to support individuals who seek help and are willing to be accountable as they work toward sustained recovery. The Reentry Center has extended its efforts with a food pantry, and since the inception of the food pantry in January 2025, 82 people have been served.
The Reentry Center is About Second Chances
“It was recognized that many returning citizens lacked basic needs, and this led to barriers in their recovery. There was a need for an individual approach, to meet people where they are, instead of a one-size-fits-all solution,” stated Captain R. Dickinson, also of the Prince William-Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center. With an average of 20 individuals released each day, it was pertinent that these individuals going back into the community are equipped with the necessary tools, to even possibly save a life with Narcan distribution should they return to their previous environment.
The Reentry Center is a non-profit, so all the time and resources for the Reentry Center are donated and given from local organizations to provide for individuals. The Reentry Center has established a relationship with individuals in the community, as they volunteer their time at the Reentry Center. The success can partly be attributed to the volunteers who work in the center and balance their time to volunteer. With the support of peer-based staff, individuals who volunteer their time and bring valuable life-learned experience, the Reentry Center has strengthened its connection to the community. Colonel West and his team collaborated with several organizations’ peer programs to establish on-site office hours at the jail. This allows peers to meet with individuals preparing for release, connect them to community programs, and offer vital support services through the Reentry Center.
Captain Dickinson states the biggest hurdle is not being able to assist those individuals who are “rapid releasers,” booked and released within the same day. Arrested, but posting bond within hours, to return to the streets without the information or tools necessary to become a better individual. Since receiving this recognition from the state for the VACo Achievement Award, the Prince William Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center is inspired to do even more. Programs like the Reentry Center are dedicated to offering guidance and support so individuals can return to the community with hope and a positive, fresh start.
The facility has been tailored to support rehabilitation for those individuals who are still incarcerated as well. It doesn’t stop at the Reentry Center. The Adult Detention Center offers programs that give inmates the chance to attend classes, earn certifications, and work toward their GED, along with many other valuable opportunities. They also host resource fairs for the inmates to make connections with potential employers upon their release.
Conclusion
The mission and initiative taken behind the Reentry Center and the plans for rehabilitation have been beneficial for the individuals going back into the community. Our commitment goes beyond the duties of the job and reflects our dedication to those we serve and their successful reentry into the community. There has been much success in the program, as the Reentry Center has broken barriers and the stigma of the jail.
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Iman Jackson has an MA in Media Management and has over 10 years of experience in the Media and Communications field. Leaving her tech career behind, she has joined the Prince William- Manassas Regional Adult Detention Center as the Senior Communications Analyst and has stepped into this role to help brand the agency and shed light on the more positive aspects of the jail. She can be reached at ijackson@pwcgov.org
