Posted on Dec 13, 2015
Did you know the Number of Veterans Behind Bars Continues to Fall: Justice Department?
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Did you know the Number of Veterans Behind Bars Continues to Fall: Justice Department?
Veterans account for fewer inmates in US prisons and jails today than a decade ago, according to new federal statistics.
Veterans doing time are more likely to be white, older and more educated yet more violent than their non-veteran counterparts, according to the figures.
RP Members what are you thoughts and comments?
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/12/13/number-of-veterans-behind-bars-continues-to-fall.html
An estimated 181,500 veterans are incarcerated, including 131,500 in prison and 50,000 in jails, the Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Statistics said in a release this week. That figure is down 9 percent from the 206,500 veterans locked up in 2004.
Overall, veterans represented about 8 percent of all federal and state inmates. The figures are based on a 2011-2012 survey conducted by the department.
"This decrease has been happening for a while," John Rowan, president of Vietnam Veterans of America, told Military.com. A growing number of so-called veterans courts emphasize treatment over incarceration for those with drug problems, he said.
"Vet courts have done a great job of keeping vets out of jail and the population [of those incarcerated] is shrinking," Rowan said. Also contributing to the decline is the fact many Vietnam veterans have been paroled or died while in jail, which has led to his organization closing a number of prison chapters, he said.
Veterans account for fewer inmates in US prisons and jails today than a decade ago, according to new federal statistics.
Veterans doing time are more likely to be white, older and more educated yet more violent than their non-veteran counterparts, according to the figures.
RP Members what are you thoughts and comments?
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/12/13/number-of-veterans-behind-bars-continues-to-fall.html
An estimated 181,500 veterans are incarcerated, including 131,500 in prison and 50,000 in jails, the Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Statistics said in a release this week. That figure is down 9 percent from the 206,500 veterans locked up in 2004.
Overall, veterans represented about 8 percent of all federal and state inmates. The figures are based on a 2011-2012 survey conducted by the department.
"This decrease has been happening for a while," John Rowan, president of Vietnam Veterans of America, told Military.com. A growing number of so-called veterans courts emphasize treatment over incarceration for those with drug problems, he said.
"Vet courts have done a great job of keeping vets out of jail and the population [of those incarcerated] is shrinking," Rowan said. Also contributing to the decline is the fact many Vietnam veterans have been paroled or died while in jail, which has led to his organization closing a number of prison chapters, he said.
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Violence
Justice
Crime
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 16
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In recent years several states announced "Special" prison units for veterans, I immediately was concerned but before I contacted my Congressman (And opened Mouth to inserted foot) I researched what this was about. I walked away with a new found respect for those that work in prisons. These special units recognized that many of these vets 1. Were very young in most cases. 2. Their time in combat service changed them dramatically as many of them had been home less than 2yrs. 3. They needed help, real help from folks that could relate. I went to visit one such "Special Unit" in NC. The veterans were dressed in jeans and usually a tee shirt with some form of print representing their branch of service, they were no where near the general prison population. In saying this it important to point out I was told the General population areas are VERY Loud, lots of yelling etc and this further aggravated the Veterans so they were specifically removed to a quieter location when these special units were set up. I also noted the colors, they had brought in specialists to paint the surroundings with calming colors. I also noted in these special units guards did not were the typical uniform they wore jeans an identifying T-shirt that said staff and their radios had ear buds so as not to startles the veterans. They also had several on call psych docs just down a corridor with a secluded office environment so the veteran could advise the staff they were or needed to see the doc. The veterans often depending on how severe their charges would have their charges dropped by participating in these special units so as not to ruin their futures. Progress is slow and the troubled mind is a puzzle always changing.
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PO3 Brad Phlipot
Capt Seid Waddell - Agree, I am impressed with the way this delicate matter is being handled by some folks as we need to give every Veteran a chance and help with their transition home even when they do not make good decisions. This program is giving many a second chance.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs I hope that the number of veterans behind bars continues to fall based on Justice Department reports. I hope that the recidivism rate of veterans is much lower than the general population.
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Doug Macdonald
It will if I have anything to say about it. "Second Chance" Reentry course for non-violent offenders preparing for release. First of it's kind, designed by a veteran.
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Suspended Profile
Many jurisdictions have Veteran's courts now, which take service, injuries and PTSD into account. These programs have a high level of accountability and intensive treatment. It is the right thing to do...
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