Jail Lieutenant Kyle Veeser recalls it was about three years ago when the Door County Sheriff’s Department Office put Operation Fresh Start in place to help strengthen families, the community, and reduce recidivism rates. The initiative which has been going steady for approximately two years, is a joint effort with jail ownership and community stakeholders. While there is no numerical data to reveal the operation’s impact, Veeser does believe it has been impactful. He has heard stories that some people who’ve come through the program have received jobs in the area. He also knows of some others who’ve been through the program and haven’t returned to jail and have turned their lives around. 

Veeser believes future evidence will show that the program has made a lasting change in people’s lives and their communities. Veeser also credits modules that are part of the program surrounding education, mental health services, employment, communication skills, relationships, financial education, and community resources that help build relationships for inmates once they are released. All these modules are in place to help make inmates stronger members of society once they are released.