Specialized veteran housing units during incarceration, and its reduction on recidivism: Recommendation for implementing more veteran housing units in correctional institutions

Abstract

This research examines the needs for more correctional institutions to implement military veteran units, pods and or wings. Secondary research was conducted of articles, websites and other veteran and mental health resources, to show the significance and success of already implemented veterans’ units in correctional institutions throughout the United States. This paper explains why these veteran units are beneficial and important for the reduction of recidivism for military veterans who become justice involved due to the outcome of negative experiences while serving their country. Findings indicate that these veteran units are beneficial in the reduction of recidivism, as the units operate as in military styles and traditions. It also highlights the importance of allowing incarcerated veterans to be able to access proper medical and mental health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs while serving their sentence(s), which is currently not an option for veterans in jail and prison. Mental and physical health issues that arise from serving their country, many who fought in wars, are often left untreated, leading to higher amounts of substance abuse issues, and more violent offenses.