Veterans Court Subcommittee updates commissioners

Chairwoman of the task force Kathy Pierce shared a presentation from the Travis County Veterans Court with the commissioners, explaining the purpose and goals of a separate court.

Issues such as anxiety, depression, anger and isolation are common problems seen with combat veterans who commit crimes, according to the presentation. Alcohol and drug abuse are common in veteran-related cases in Williamson County, Covey said.

Substance abuse is a common way some veterans self-medicate, Pierce said.

"This court helps them work on their problems and get connected to services quicker," she said.

Current staff members from the county's pre-trial services and probation staff could be utilized in the creation of a Williamson County veterans court. The proposed court would set a docket that would start after 5 p.m. so not to interfere with other court cases.

"We're just gathering information for the court," Covey said. "We're not promoting or saying we don't need one, we're just gathering information."

County Judge Dan Gattis said the subcommittee was welcome to update the court on any new findings when it returns from researching Guadalupe County's veterans court in Seguin in June.