The first graduate of Westmoreland County Veterans Court will be recognized on Nov. 19.
County officials reinstated the program in May for veterans charged with certain crimes, allowing them to earn a reduced sentence. Veterans work through the six- to 12-month program that gives them opportunities to address issues such as drug and alcohol treatment or anger management in addition to court supervision.
Participants work closely with volunteer mentors and the program is overseen by county and court officials who are veterans. Cases are selected by the district attorney’s office and veterans accused of serious and violent offenses, or crimes in which a state prison sentence is likely, are not eligible.
Westmoreland County is home to about 28,000 veterans.
Mentors for the program are needed. Mentors work with program participants by phone, in person or during community activities. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact coordinator Patrick Michaels at 724-830-3704 or pmichael@co.westmoreland.pa.us.
