What is the IGNITE program?

The IGNITE program is an initiative by the National Sheriff's Association that provides education and training to county jail inmates, including courses on subjects like parenting, anger management, and substance abuse. Inmates can earn incentives for completing the courses.

How has the IGNITE program impacted the Rogers County Jail?

The Rogers County Sheriff's Office in Oklahoma has become the first in the state to launch the IGNITE program, which has been shown to reduce recidivism by up to 23% over a year.

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Oklahoma County Leads Nation in Jail Rehabilitation Program

Q: What are the goals of the IGNITE program in Rogers County?

According to Sheriff Scott Walton, the goal of the IGNITE program is to "plant some seed in their mind that there's a better way" during incarceration, with the aim of preventing inmates from returning to jail after release.

16 Nov

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Summary

Rogers County, Oklahoma first to launch IGNITE program in state
Inmates use tablets for classes on parenting, anger management, substance abuse
IGNITE reduces recidivism by 18% over 3 months, 23% over a year

Oklahoma County Leads Nation in Jail Rehabilitation Program

As of November 16, 2025, the Rogers County Sheriff's Office in Oklahoma has become the first in the state to join a national initiative called IGNITE, a project by the National Sheriff's Association aimed at providing education and training to county jail inmates. Through the IGNITE program, inmates in the Rogers County jail can access high school equivalency exam prep and testing, as well as courses on subjects like parenting, anger management, and substance abuse. By completing these classes, inmates can earn entertainment and commissary incentives.

Sheriff Scott Walton emphasized that IGNITE is not a "hug-a-thug program," but rather a way to "plant some seed in their mind that there's a better way" during incarceration, with the goal of preventing inmates from returning to jail after release. This approach seems to be working - a 2024 study found that a single month of IGNITE decreased recidivism by 18% over three months and 23% over a year.