Bedford County Sheriff’s Office Evidence Based Programming

In May 2023, the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office was awarded a grant by the Office of Criminal Justice Programs (OCJP) to expand jail programming that provides evidence-based programs to county inmates.

Programming includes expanding their current Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) programming and enhancing their current GED program that allows county inmates to earn their high school equivalency (HSE) diploma. The project will also include implementing cognitive-based behavioral interventions for those with co-occurring Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders. Such programming supports successful reentry into the community and the workforce and reduces recidivism.

Prior to OCJP’s award, the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office funded their MRT program through an alternative funding source that was only available during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EBP funding awarded by OCJP allows the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office to continue and expand their current MRT and GED programs and allows them to upgrade their classrooms to a more engaging and interactive space.

Funding Sources