NORTH LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A new program in North Las Vegas aims to assist military veterans by providing them with resources and support to keep them out of jail.
According to the Council on Criminal Justice, the most recent comprehensive count in 2022 found that there were 181,500 veterans in American prisons and jails.
The program — known as the Veterans Diversion Program — is court-ordered for many, but also works directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs to get active and retired military service members access to help for substance abuse, alcohol and mental health issues.
"I believe it was a bailiff who first told me about this program," veteran Brendan McMillian told KTNV.
McMillan and Marisio Morales are just two graduates among the class of six veterans who received their certificates on Wednesday.
"I made a mistake, which ultimately brought me around to this program," Morales said.
According to the VA, the one-year outpatient program has been so successful that the Bureau of Justice Assistance allotted $700,000 in grant money to expand it over the next four years.
The local program is spearheaded by Chief Judge Chris Lee of North Las Vegas Municipal Court.
