Ensure veterans in trouble with the law receive the help they need

Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency director: Ensure veterans in trouble with the law receive the help they need
Published: Monday, April 02, 2012
By MICHAEL CIGNOLI
BALLSTON SPA — A driver who gets pulled over for driving 85 miles per hour on the Northway will likely get a speeding ticket from a law enforcement official. But if that driver is a veteran, Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency Director Andrew Davis wants to ensure the police officer also provides a list of contact information for local veterans programs.

Studies have shown that as many as 26 percent of veterans returning from overseas suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries. Even more suffer from depression or other disorders that may contribute to — though not necessarily excuse — their getting in trouble with the law. 

Addressing the county Board of Supervisors’ Veterans Committee on Monday, Davis outlined a new initiative designed to educate Saratoga County’s 14 law enforcement agencies about some of the issues veterans face as they return home from combat. He’s looking to improve officers’ ability to work with veterans who suffer from mental health disorders and allow those veterans to receive whatever help they need.
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