Jail Re-Entry Program Transtions Inmates Into Society
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DYER COUNTY, Tenn. — Montieth Haley has been behind bars at the Dyer County Jail for almost a year, and before that he was incarcerated at least four other times for drugs. But thanks to the Dyer County Jail Re-entry program, he said that cycle is about to be broken. “For me, this is my last time in here,” Haley said. “This program is needed because most people are coming back in for the same crime.” Sheriff Jeff Box of the Dyer County Sheriff’s Department said at least 35 percent of inmates who are released from the county jail return back for at least a second time. “We want to reduce the rate of them returning back to jail,” Sheriff Box said. That’s why he said he decided to launch the Sheriff’s Jail Re-entry Program this spring. The program offers resources to help inmates transition back into society. Now he’s remodeling the county’s old, unused jail to house the special group of inmates. “This will hopefully help them transition from this facility to a productive citizen in the community,” Box said. The facility will house 25 inmates who will undergo intense inpatient treatment, including spiritual awareness, anger management and workforce development. Sheriff Box said they’re partnering with local companies to help inmates get a job after their release. “I did most of my crime trying to provide for my family,” Haley said. “So if I get a job, I don’t have to do it anymore.” Haley said he hopes the program will help change the community’s perception of inmates. “A lot of people think we can’t change,” Haley said. Sheriff Box said it will cost about $300,000 to operate the facility, but he said after the first year it should operate self-sufficiently by state funds paid to the county for the housing of inmates.
