NBC's "TODAY" SHOW TO SPOTLIGHT BUFFALO'S VETERANS COURT

NBC's "TODAY" SHOW TO SPOTLIGHT BUFFALO'S VETERANS

TREATMENT COURT -- Judge Russell: "It is my hope that other jurisdictions will use our experience to critically examine how they can better serve the veterans who come through the criminal courts."

NBC's "Today" show spotlights Veterans Treatment Court in Buffalo

Advocacy program is first in the nation

By Lou Michel NEWS STAFF REPORTER



The national spotlight is shining on Buffalo City Judge Robert T. Russell Jr. and his Veterans Treatment Court, which started in January and is believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

Last week, a camera crew from NBC’s “Today” show filmed the judge addressing the Bar Association of Erie County’s new ad hoc committee on legal issues involving veterans and service members.

Tuesday, the “Today” show will again film the judge and his staff in the courtroom at Buffalo City Court for the segment, which is expected to air in the near future.

Russell, working with area veteran organizations, the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, police agencies and mental health experts, initiated the vets court in response to a disproportionate number of returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans finding themselves on the wrong side of the law.
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