Veterans Service Unit

Formed in the spring of 2018 at the Allegheny County Jail, the Veterans Service Unit is a specialty housing pod dedicated to assisting veterans of all branches of the armed services in facing life-altering issues like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse and preparations for reintegration into society.

Judge John Zottola, the administrative judge of Allegheny County’s Veterans Court, Warden Orlando Harper, Chief Deputy Warden of Healthcare Services Laura Williams and Chief Deputy Warden David Zetwo, along with representatives from the Allegheny County District Attorney’s office, Allegheny County Adult Probation, the Veterans Administration and multiple community providers were instrumental in the establishment of the housing unit. Organizers also received input from veterans and community providers in establishing the housing unit at ACJ.

For transfer into the Veterans Service Unit, an incarcerated individual must be classified under minimum or medium security. The incarcerated individual may request consideration to be transferred at the time of an initial classification or by contacting the Educational Services Manager or their caseworker.

Veterans on the housing unit are offered weekly classes, provided by program providers.

  • Pittsburgh Hires Veterans
  • Veterans Place
  • Veterans Leadership Program (VLP)
  • Caseworkers at the Veterans Affairs Health Systems

Any inquiries into the Veterans Service Unit at the Allegheny County Jail should be directed to Garrett Besonson, Education Services Manager, at 412-350-2187.

 

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