Programs
The current focus of Patriot PAWS is development of a prison program to train inmates to become trainers of service dogs. Patriot PAWS and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) entered into partnership to have prisoners train service dogs for Disabled American Veterans in 2008.
Patriot PAWS researched correctional facilities in Texas as well as other states to assure the right “fit” for everyone could be achieved. After a series of interviews with TDCJ, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two parties was signed on Jan. 15, 2008, and the partnership was established. This partnership affords prisoners the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than their confinement and provides Patriot PAWS a much-needed volunteer base to train quality service dogs.
Two TDCJ facilities are participating in the first phase of the program, and include the Lane Murray Unit and the Crain Women’s Correctional Unit located in Gatesville, Texas. The partnership is intended to provide help not only for disabled veterans, but opportunities for prisoners to have a job while serving their sentence, learning a career trade and giving back to the community.
The service dog training was initiated on Feb. 4, 2008. From the initial pool of 88 applicants, a total of 18 trainers were selected, and eight Labrador puppies were placed with the inmates.
The women live with their dogs in dormitory-like space in each unit, which include outdoor areas for the dogs. There is also a shared training facility onsite.
After six months, and demonstrating the program’s success, TDCJ approved adding six more women inmates to each unit and has asked Patriot PAWS to expand the program both at the current facilities and to other correctional institutions in Texas.
Eleven women have been paroled since the program began. Patriot PAWS has hired one of the parolees’ and at least 9 others are working in dog related programs. At this time, the recidivism rate is zero.
For more information about our program, please contact us for more information.
Check out personal testimonies from inmates on our YouTube Channel.
Dogs Behind Bars: Offender dog training programs increasing in popularity nationwide. Criminal Justice Connections.