Did you know the Number of Veterans Behind Bars Continues to Fall: Justice Department?

2015-12-13T07:27:15-05:00

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.

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.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Dec 13 at 2015 7:37 AM

2015-12-13T07:37:51-05:00

It's always a relief to know that fewer of our brothers and sisters are incarcerated, but I wish that number was ZERO. Thanks for sharing!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 13 at 2015 7:49 AM

2015-12-13T07:49:36-05:00

Well that is good and hopeful news.

Response by PO3 Brad Phlipot made Dec 13 at 2015 7:54 AM

2015-12-13T07:54:43-05:00

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.

Response by Doug Macdonald made Dec 13 at 2015 9:21 AM

2015-12-13T09:21:12-05:00

If we provide the proper tools to your brothers in the "reintegration" process, maybe less of them would be going through the "reentry" process.

As a civilian/veteran advocate, for several years now, I recently got involved with our national prison system on a consultant basis. I found an interesting overlap in the transition process. Remember, we are looking at the process, not the participants.

Our Military calls the process " reintegration". Our Correctional System calls it "reentry". Is there a difference? In the majority of the situations I have seen so far, the "process" is similar.

The "process of transition", in its simplest form, is taking an individual from a comfortable environment and preparing them for a "different" environment. Regardless of the individual, they are going through a process that takes them from a controlled environment and prepares them for an ever changing environment.

What I find in common is that education is required in both situations. Not theoretical education but experiential education. Showing individuals that regardless of their past situation they bring forward transferable skills.

The only thing that needs to change is the mindset. Bringing forward transferrable skills provides a level of comfort. Developing the "Optimal Mindset" provides the keys to success.

Being able to deal with our incarcerated veterans has deepened my belief in your brotherhood. Some of your brothers may have made a poor choice along the way, but their past doesn't have to define their future. That is my message to every veteran no matter what the environment.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2015 9:59 AM

2015-12-13T09:59:59-05:00

Unfortunately being a veteran and committing a crime doesn't exempt you from the law. Being a combat veteran with mental issues and committing a violent crime doesn't exempt you from your actions. No one forced these men to do what they did. If they need mental health or behavioral health assistance then it should be provided adequately but the crime still cannot be overlooked.

The trend that it is falling is a good sign of changes the army has implemented and to avoid further issues we as a veteran community needs to identify those struggling among us and get them help before the crime is committed.

Response by SGM David Simpson made Dec 13 at 2015 11:06 AM

2015-12-13T11:06:04-05:00

While I think this is good news overall, I also understand the need to keep some Soldiers in prisons for the safety of all. I worked at the United States Disciplinary Barracks for a couple years in the 1990s and it was interesting to say the least. Those with issues relating to combat and PTSD are different that those that willfully break the law. Of the 10 I had on my detail, I would have allowed 3-4 to walk out the door and would never expect them to be in trouble again....there were a few that needed to do their time and a couple I would have volunteered to serve on a firing squad to ensure they never made it out. Just a view from someone who has worked with military inmates.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Dec 13 at 2015 11:13 AM

2015-12-13T11:13:47-05:00

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...

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Dec 13 at 2015 11:34 AM

2015-12-13T11:34:18-05:00

Veterans are human too and humans can do stupid things.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Dec 13 at 2015 12:03 PM

2015-12-13T12:03:42-05:00

I'd like to think it's because they are receiving the appropriate help and assistance...

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 13 at 2015 12:09 PM

2015-12-13T12:09:04-05:00

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.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2015 5:27 PM

2015-12-13T17:27:41-05:00

veterans courts are deffinately needed they give structure and are more aware of the special circumstances that vets have gone thru, they understand and have the patients, personnel to get the vet the help they need. I should know I'm the first vet in court ontario county ,ny and i'm their first graduate

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Dec 13 at 2015 10:36 PM

2015-12-13T22:36:58-05:00

Recently a RP posting went up about having a "Warrior Class" that all civilians, and non-Infantry or non-Special Forces were to worship the Warfighters. It was soundly derided. Now we have a post regarding incarcerated veterans. This should be as well.

Millions of veterans have served, have gone in harms way, and come home after experiencing things literally no one ever wants to without ever seeing the inside of a jail or prison cell.

Yet here we are marvelling at veterans courts, veterans prisons, and keeping veterans separate from other general population inmates based on their having served in the US Arned Forces at some point in their lives. I say no.

A person's service in the Armed Forces is not a cause, or a mitigating factor, to lessen the severity of the charges or the length of sentence.

Being a doctor in the Army did not cause Jeffrey McDonald to murder his wife and children on Ft. Bragg. He did that himself.

The Army did not make Harold Nicholson sell secrets to the Russians. Nor did the Army teach him to get his son involved in recouping the rest of the money owed Nicholson for his treachery. He did that.

The Walker family didn't learn selling submarine technology and other information to the Russians in a Navy manual.

The military does not teach how to commit crimes, the individual person does that. It's an individual decision to become a criminal. We don't give passes for alcohol or drug usage in criminal cases, just as we shouldn't give them for a person's military service.
(The two individuals I specifically named in this post are current federal inmates and both worked for me when I worked for the Bureau of Prisons. There were many more I could have named for bank robbery, drug smuggling, aggravated assault, and murder as well)

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Dec 18 at 2015 11:35 AM

2015-12-18T11:35:41-05:00

While there are always reasons (not excuses) for something happening, if there is a better way to handle it and not leave permanent marks on a person - I see that as a good thing.

Response by Doug Macdonald made Dec 24 at 2015 10:33 PM

2015-12-24T22:33:35-05:00

My contribution. "Second Chance" Business and Entrepreneurship For Reentry Programs

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Dec 24 at 2015 10:43 PM

2015-12-24T22:43:17-05:00

I didn't know that fewer veterans are going to prison but I am glad to hear it.

Response by Cpl David E. Jenkins Jr. made Dec 31 at 2015 11:23 AM

2015-12-31T11:23:28-05:00

I was incarcerated of a Violent crime. I did 9 years for defending myself with the training I got in The Marines. Upon me being release I found it hard to find a job because of my felony. I was lucky to find a position of a Veterans Outreach Specialist for a vocational school. In NYC especially Manhattan there is no Veterans Court. And the system doesn't understand what Veterans go through. So yes I agree you are set-up to fail.