Page 62 - 2021_American Jails NovDec

The main handler trains the
dog and an alternate handler is
on standby in case turnover is
needed. Additionally, tailoring the
dog program to this correctional
setting included staff training,
policy implementation, ensuring
the expectations of prisoners in the
program are understood, and open
communication between prisoners,
staff, and program representatives.

What do you want people to take
away from reading about your
program?
MGySgt Concepcion: Being in a
correctional setting, this program
allows prisoners to rehabilitate
through giving back to the com-
munity and impacting veterans
around the world. A little hard
work in training canines for service
can impact not only one person but
perhaps an entire family through
needed for installation approval, to release from custody. Keeping a adoption.
dogs were screened prior to enroll- healthy balance between prisoner
ment into the training program. management and program require-
Funding for the program came at no ments throughout dog handler Concluding Thought
cost to the Marine Corps as Canine nominations have mitigated con- These Marines take great pride
for Service provided all funding for cerns for prisoner-sentence lengths. in this program. Not only does this
the program. And the prisoner board process program serve veterans in need, it is
ensures the length of sentence and also inspires inmates and provides
Obstacles involved having them with a purpose—and gives a
enough long-term prisoners with training are compatible among the homeless dog another chance in life.
prisoner population and those who
whom the dogs have enough time may qualify.
to train to program curriculum prior You can see this by the con-
duct of the Marines of MCI East
Regional Brig and the response of
the inmates to this opportunity. And
most importantly, when a veteran
Marine Corps Installations East Regional Brig
receives his or her service dog.
Built: 2012 Bravo Zulu, Marines! 
Capacity: 75
Custody: Medium custody with a maximum custody wing
Services: Pre- and post-trial military members from all Mark K. Archambeau is a retired U.S.
Marine with 27 years of service in
branches east of the Mississippi River for up to one Marine Corps/Naval Corrections. He is
year. currently pursuing a position to continue
Staff: 2 Officers; 86 Enlisted; 3 DOD Civilians service with military corrections and train
future generations. He can be contacted
at m.k.archambeau@gmail.com.

60 | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 AMERICANJails