NCJ Number
106830
Date Published
1983
Length
104 pages
Annotation
This hearing of the Select Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the California Assembly explored veterans' experiences with the criminal justice system and posttraumatic stress as it relates to the involvement of Vietnam veterans with the justice system.
Abstract
The first witness, the Coordinator for Veterans in Prison (VIP) Program from the VA Medical Center in Los Angeles, detailed data on veterans incarcerated in California prisons and emphasized that most are not career criminals and can be rehabilitated. He also described services offered by the VIP program. A representative from the California Department of Veteran Affairs commented on that agency's efforts to address the needs of incarcerated veterans, including research studies, legislative reforms, psychological counseling, and prerelease employment counseling. A State judge described one criminal case involving a Vietnam veterans with serious medical and psychological problems, and the judge's unsuccessful efforts to obtain treatment. Similar cases were described by an attorney who defends Vietnam veterans. A counselor with the Veterans' Administration Outreach Center discussed its services for incarcerated veterans in Contra Costa County jails, particularly in the substance abuse area. Additional witnesses included representatives from a rehabilitation agency and local organizations that provide counseling to veterans in jails and prisons.