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toilets and shower stalls for pri-
vacy, and a small recreation space
that provides cover for inclement
weather.
The unit is decorated in military
images, the American flag, painted
bunks, and encouraging quotes.
Another interesting fact, veterans
are the first to occupy this unit.
These aspects were not previously
available in the other unit and allow
the men to feel human again. The
entrance vestibule contains a dedi-
cation plaque that says:
“This space is dedicated to those
men who stood up and took an oath
to provide a service to our country.
By remembering who you are and
what you stand for, we have an
obligation to ensure that you will
not be forgotten. Thank you for
your service!—Sheriff Ed Gonzalez
and your community.”
In the Brothers in Arms program,
each man is called by his name,
not a nickname. He is treated as a
person instead of a number in the
justice system. One of the images Brothers in Arms dedication wall (top). Brothers in Arms logo (bottom).
on the wall states, “RESPECT: Give
it to get it.” There is zero-tolerance tized by physically entering the jail the men accepted the challenge of
for disrespect to staff, volunteers, to visit their fathers. helping each other with what they
or fellow brothers in the program. had learned from previous classes.
Failure to comply results in immedi- Veteran Programming During the They could still communicate with
ate removal from the program. Pandemic the VA and TVC through the mail to
There is no face-to-face visi- In March 2020, the COVID-19 request military documents, begin
tation in the unit. Instead, new pandemic created several challenges the discharge upgrade process, sub-
technology was installed for video for the unit, including the removal mit an intent to file for benefits, and
visitation. There is no limit to how of community partners. In-person receive other essential communica-
many people the veterans can see classes were suspended indefinitely, tions that would be most beneficial
on one device during 20-minute and very limited resources could for their release.
video visitation. For example, one enter the unit. The courts and length
veteran has six children. According of time in jail were significantly Another Layer of Services
to the visitation policy, he was only impacted due to quarantines or pre- The VA housing case managers
allowed to see up to two adults and cautionary observation; resets were provided another layer of services
two children when he was housed common and frustrating to anyone during the pandemic. If the eligible
in another building. With video visi- in custody. If inmates were unable justice-involved veteran was within
tation, he can speak to his wife and to bond out or had no support 30 days of release, he was connected
all six of his children in one visit. outside of the jail, they were at the to a VA case manager who would
This brought him to tears after five mercy of a justice system that was conduct an assessment and deter-
months of incarceration. Video visi- trying to handle an unprecedented mine programs or housing options
tation is also familiar for veterans pandemic. for him. The case manager would
deployed or stationed away from Because the program’s focus is discuss criteria for each option and
their families for extended periods, to utilize the brother next to you assist with obtaining pre-approval
and young children are not trauma- as your most valuable resource, for the best program.

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