Leave No Man (or Woman) Behind: Justice for Veterans.

• Author: Dalton, Sean F.

ONE OF OUR NATION'S most important military credos is leave no man behind. This doctrine is part of the U.S. Soldier's Creed which powerfully but simply states, "I will never leave a fallen comrade." It is a promise that soldiers make to each other. While the mission is paramount, each soldier is part of a team and knows when someone is injured, captured or killed, everything humanly possible will be done to bring them back.

However, when Veterans come back home, all too often their service is ignored as they attempt to make a dramatic and sometimes overwhelming transition into civilian life. Many civilians cannot comprehend what soldiers have endured and unless they see a missing arm or leg, cannot understand the scars our returning vets will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

The problems confronting returning veterans have been well documented. Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, addiction issues, alcoholism and marital problems are just the tip of the iceberg. A Department of Veterans Affairs study reported the number of veteran deaths by suicide averaged 22 per day. (1) What role can law enforcement play in assisting troubled veterans?

PROSECUTOR'S ROLE

Invariably, some returning veterans will get in trouble with the law when reintegration into society goes poorly Police respond to a variety of calls for service involving veterans ranging from a simple wellness check to serious assaults. How these matters are handled reflect upon your office and go well beyond arrest and conviction. As with many decisions prosecutors make, these incidents are an opportunity to engage in restorative justice and provide guidance, services and support for troubled vets who have honorably served our country.

In 2014, the Gloucester County (NJ) Prosecutor's Office expanded its veterans program and created the Gloucester County Veterans Initiative (GCVI) to address the challenge of returning veterans becoming entangled in our criminal justice system. The goals of the GCVI are to reduce veteran contact with law enforcement, reduce the number of incarcerated veterans, increase services and support for veterans while maintaining public safety.

And, of course, accomplish the above with no additional cost to the taxpayers.

MANY PLAYERS, ONE TEAM: A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH

In May 2014, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was executed between the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office and several public and private agencies...