Nature of Incident: Development of Veteran’s Housing Unit in Sheriff’s Jail System
Date & Time: December 1, 2021
Unit(s) Responsible: Detention Services Administration
Narrative:
Sheriff Bill Ayub announced today that the Detention Services Division will begin development of a Veteran’s Programing Unit. Building upon the idea of giving back to our military veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much for our country, Sheriff Ayub offered the Sheriff’s VOICE (Veterans Outreach in Crisis Events) program earlier this year. The Veteran’s Programming Unit will build upon that by developing a new jail housing unit that will house veterans together in an environment that provides security staff who are also military veterans. The new program will allow veterans to be around others who better understand their circumstances and are therefore more equipped to provide support and instill a sense of pride, appreciation, and belonging throughout their incarceration. Sheriff Ayub commented, “So many of our Veterans have faced unspeakable trauma in service of our nation. Upon returning to our communities, they often feel unseen and unheard. The goal of this specialized housing area is to reduce recidivism amongst veterans by recognizing their service to our country and providing them with assistance unique to their situation. My hope is to provide the right environment for our veterans to overcome their struggles and reestablish themselves as participative, valued members of our community.”
Supportive interventions will treat the substance abuse many veterans turn to cope with the mental trauma they experience. “We will partner with experts in the field of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, addiction recovery, family counseling, and other efforts to support the safe return to the community,” said Sheriff Ayub. The initial planning will be led by Commander Mike Hartmann, a Navy veteran, who championed the idea.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is the largest law enforcement agency in the county with more than 700 peace officers and 500 professional staff members. The agency serves five contract cities (Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, and Thousand Oaks) and the unincorporated areas of Ventura County.
Prepared by: Rob Davidson, Assistant Sheriff
News Release Date: December 1, 2021
Media Follow-Up Contact: Mike Hartmann, Commander (805) 933-8505
Approved by: Rob Davidson, Assistant Sheriff
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