SL County therapeutic court for veterans plans January launch

SL County therapeutic court for veterans plans January launch

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SALT LAKE CITY — Building on the success of its mental health and drug courts, a therapeutic court for veterans is scheduled to launch in 3rd District Court in January.

On Tuesday, the Salt Lake County Council authorized the hiring of a detective from the Unified Police Department to serve on a multiagency team that will review the progress of veterans served by the court.

Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder said he needed to bring the matter before the council because the expense — $126,000 for salary, benefits and retirement for the detective — would be incurred outside the normal budget cycle. The county contracts with Unified police for law enforcement services for unincorporated Salt Lake County.

"I believe this is a very positive initiative, one that will result in reductions in our jail population and result in very significant outcomes in the community in a subset of our constituents that really need this. Our returning veterans need all of the supports we can provide them," Winder said.


I believe this is a very positive initiative, one that will result in reductions in our jail population and result in very significant outcomes in the community in a subset of our constituents that really need this.

–Sheriff Jim Winder, SL County


Winder told the County Council that the veterans court will be similar to the other problem-solving courts already in place — mental health and drug courts.

Those courts attempt to go beyond punishment by providing treatment and long-term solutions for those who face criminal charges and struggle with mental health or substance abuse issues.

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill echoed his support for the veterans court, which he said will serve "an incredible need within our community."

As career members of the military and reservists return from tours of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East, many struggle with multiple issues as they attempt to resume their lives at home, Gill said.

"What the data shows us, there are issues of (post-traumatic stress disorder), substance abuse and unfortunately of the deterioration of the family infrastructure," he said. "Veterans are often ending up homeless and unfortunately in our criminal justice system."

Partnering with the Veterans Administration should help free up resources to assist other people in the system who need help with behavioral health issues, Gill said. Meanwhile, court supervision will help ensure that veterans receive care that is tailored to their needs.

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"It's a win-win from all aspects of the equation," Gill said.

The Unified police detective will work alongside legal defenders, district attorneys and treatment professionals to review the progress of veterans in the court.

The County Council unanimously supported the hiring of a detective, noting the successes of other speciality courts in the 3rd District.

"Those judges are really good about tough love," said council member Max Burdick. Third District Presiding Judge "Royal Hansen is probably one of the best at that."

Council member Steve DeBry, a Unified captain, said he was "wholeheartedly in favor" of anything the county could do to reduce criminal justice costs yet better serve the needs of service members.

"Shame on us if we don't fund this and help this cause," he said.

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