LAY SUMMARY Incarcerated Veterans represent 2.5% of the federal offender population and are a unique subset of the general Canadian Veteran population. This study provides the first in-depth examination of Veteran offenders in federal custody. During the study period, 374 federal offenders self-reported as Veterans. Federal Veteran offenders were older and more likely to have committed a violent offence and to have mental health concerns. Although they were more likely to report mental health concerns, Veteran offenders have more stable institutional behaviour and greater post-release success than non-Veterans. Understanding the unique characteristics and correctional experiences of federal Veteran offenders aids in identifying needs related to intervention and support to promote successful community reintegration after release. Future qualitative research should enhance knowledge of the lived experiences of Veterans involved in the federal criminal justice system in Canada.

Recent research shows Canadian federal Veteran offenders (serving sentences of two years or more) are older at admission to federal custody, have greater mental health needs, and are more likely to commit a violent offence, particularly a sex-related offence, than non-Veterans. 1 However, they have more stable institutional behaviour and better post-release outcomes. 2 Other research shows Veteran offenders with longer service had fewer lifetime arrests and institutional misconducts than those with shorter service duration. 3,4 This is the first study to examine how federal Veteran offenders in Canada differ across duration of service.Using Computerized Mental Health Intake Screening System (CoMHISS) assessments completed between August 2014 and March 2018, federal men offenders who self-reported former service in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) were included in this study as Veterans (N = 350). Federal Veteran offenders reported duration of service in one of three pre-existing categories: less than one year (25%), one to five years (36%), and more than five years (39%). Results presented compare those in the shortest and longest duration categories (those with one to five years of service had rates between the two groups reported). This study relied on administrative data with personal identifiers removed prior to analysis and stored on a secure network with restricted access. It was approved by the Correctional Service of Canada's Executive Committee.