Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office Helping Veteran Inmates

The Oklahoma County Jail is helping veterans behind bars.

Staff have been working for months to create a pod dedicated to all service members while they are in custody.

The collection of cells will house inmates who pose no threats to others.

The hope is that inmates will help each other find resources on their way to recovery.

“This pod, on the 10th floor, will be built out and painted with the emblems of each branch of the military. Many have sacrificed a lot for this country, some of them may just need a second chance,” said Mark Myers of the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office.

The pod will be completed in the next few weeks.

Struggles facing service members include PTSD, and other mental illness, homelessness, poverty, substance abuse, employment, among others.

Jessica McLeod serves a number of veterans’ groups in Oklahoma City.

Everyday her department inside Veteran’s Affairs works to rehabilitate veterans who have served their country and educate them about resources.

She said we are all one decision away from a different life.

“Even if one decision is made and is not healthy, and is negative, we are still there and we can always help,” said Jessica McLeod, of Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs.

Here is a list of resources:

https://odva.ok.gov/

https://odva.ok.gov/veterans-centers/norman/

https://www.legion.org/services