Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to unveil program designed to keep veterans out of jail
Mar 31, 2022, 1:30 PM | Updated: 1:46 pm
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
PHOENIX — The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced this week the upcoming start of a program designed to keep veterans from ending up behind bars.
The Veterans’ Diversion Program will launch Monday and aims to provide veterans evidence-based services and treatment prior to conviction, according to an MCAO press release.
The program is designed to help reach those struggling with the return to civilian life or suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
“With the launch of the Veterans’ Diversion Program, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office continues its efforts to address underlying substance abuse or mental health issues, reduce recidivism, and preserve limited prosecutorial resources,” Chief Deputy Ken Vick said.
RELATED STORIES
A veteran who completes the program will have his or her charges dismissed, eliminating hurdles for potential employment.
“I salute the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Veterans’ Diversion Program for implementing a pretrial diversion program providing veterans with the treatment and services needed as they work through the unique challenges they often face with criminal conduct, substance use disorder, mental health issues as well as unemployment and housing,” former Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey said.
