What began as a simple idea in Middlesex, Mass., is now a trend being adopted quickly by county jails across the country: the creation of separate housing units solely for veterans.

“I felt like this was an opportunity to not only help reduce recidivism in my jail, but at the same time, give some honor and respect back to people who deserve it, regardless if they’ve made mistakes or not,” Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb told the Washington Examiner.