On any given day, approximately 730,000 people are being held in America’s jails. Approximately 160,000 men and women who have served this country are currently serving a jail or prison sentence. While many police departments have a veteran's community liaison, veterans are at higher risk of homelessness and arrest.
Of Incarcerated Veterans:
- 87% reported at least one lifetime traumatic event.
- 39% screened positive for PTSD.
- 35% of veterans have psychiatric illness.
- 15% with mood disorders,
- 7% with schizophrenia.
- 23% with dual diagnosis.
- 50% were affected by alcohol abuse.
- 37% of veterans have current drug issues.
- 73% were unemployed.
- 21% had long-term homelessness.
Nearly one in four veterans in state prison were convicted for sex offenses, compared to just one in 10 of nonveterans. Veterans were more likely than other violent offenders in state prison to have victimized females and minors.
More than a third of veterans in state prison had maximum sentences of at least 20 years, life or death