A new hope for veterans: Monterey County Jail plans to open a Veteran-only wing
The Monterey County Jail is planning to open a special wing, dedicated to veterans. Officials with the jail said their hope is to help incarcerated veterans get back on their feet.
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 8% of inmates in state and federal prison, and local jail, served in the military.
Of the 18,582 veterans living in Monterey County, 25 of them sit behind bars. Charles Dasilva, Programs Manager with the Monterey County Jail, said many of their veteran inmates had a difficult time adjusting to normal life after returning home. “We don’t know what they go through when they’re out there serving our country. They use drugs as a coping method, or start doing things to isolate themselves,” said Dasilva.
Former Army Ranger, Tony Virrueta, spoke of the struggles many of his colleagues experienced after serving. “Just getting back out into the work force, and then also dealing with PTSD, as well as traumatic brain injury, which can happen in combat. At that time, people have the tendency to self-medicate and, hence, getting in trouble,” said Virrueta.
Dasilva said the majority of the veteran inmates at the county jail arrived after abusing drugs. He said they self-medicate to try and reducate mental and emotional stress.
The Monterey County Jail plans to provide support to veterans that have fallen down similar paths.
Dasilva said he got the idea from a similar program implemented at a Massachusetts County Jail. After witnessing its success, he advocated for the special wing. “Having this opportunity will hopefully help them become leaders again, and motivate them to become better people, and serve the community in a better way,” said Dasilva.
The program also plans to give qualifying vets the opportunity to participate in activities at the Adult Rehabilitation Center. “Anger management courses, substance abuse courses, anything from life skills to familial coping,” said Dasilva.
Viruetta said he’s hopeful that the wing will give suffering vets the care they need. “I think it’ll be a good place for them to get back on track,” said Viruetta.
The Monterey County Jail plans to open the wing in July 2019.
