The SMART (Sheriff’s Military Activation, Reintegration and Training) Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s office began a program this year to help veteran employees with their before, during, and after deployment needs. The SMART (Sheriff’s Military Activation Reintegration and Training) program helps employees have a positive experience throughout their entire deployment, from the moment they are deployed, return to work and beyond. This program has successfully reintegrated the county’s veteran employees back into their daily routines within the HCSO. When the veteran employee first notifies the department that they will be deployed, they are placed into the SMART program. The office begins by assisting them with numerous details, including the completion of necessary forms and making required changes to their payroll and benefits information. The HCSO offers a public acknowledgement to the employee, recognizing their deployment, assignment, and location. Once they deploy, the Office is sure they are contacted for any necessary work-related items such as shift and vacancy bidding and open enrollment information. The SMART program also recently formed military committee of volunteer employees who will focus on the personal needs of veteran employees and their families. This past Christmas, they sent care packages to the deployed personnel as well as gifts to their families.