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Indiana lawmakers consider adding veterans courts statewide

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Helping Indiana’s arrested veterans get back on their feet: That’s what lawmakers talked about Thursday in a summer study session.

State Rep. Karlee Macer, a Democrat from Indianapolis, said, “It’s the right thing to do to make sure they get the treatment for our veterans to prevent them from committing crimes but also to help them in the future.”

Lawmakers said Indiana has 26 veteran courts. Lawmakers talked Thursday about expanding that statewide so arrested veterans go through veterans courts instead of criminal courts. Lawmakers said Marion County has a veterans court system, and they’d like to model that statewide.

Macer said, “It is an incredible opportunity for veterans. It’s very similar to a mental health court, a drug treatment court. This is specific to veterans, and it’s filled with people who are veterans themselves and organizations who can help lift veterans up and who understand the needs that may bring them into the court system.”

Marcus Murray said he understands what many veterans go through. He served in the Air Force for three years. He said some people show red flags before they commit a crime. “Suicidal tendencies, mental issues such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), TBI (traumatic brain injury) or health situations. You also have financial circumstances.” 

He said he likes what he heard Thursday but would like to see active duty military members contacted before it ever gets to that point.

Murray said, “I think thinking ahead will do a whole lot more than just trying to catch a person at the end of their service.”

State Sen. Jim Tomes, a Republican from Wadesville, said he feels like data sharing between the courts and say, the Department of Defense, could also help before something catastrophic happens.

Tomes said, “It will help catch these guys so they can get the treatment they need and the care they need in a quicker fashion. I could see where it would be very beneficial.”