Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the Criminal Justice System

Military psychologists are playing a very important role in the physical and psychological well-being of our troops both in and out of combat. The following article looks at how psychologists are involved in aiding veterans whose mental health may have led to their finding themselves in the criminal justice system. Veterans make up approximately 7 percent of the U.S. population, while approximately 9 percent of the national prison population are veterans. Approximately 300,000 veterans from the Afghanistan and Iraq wars have been diagnosed with PTSD and a number of PTSD symptoms could result in negative contact with law enforcement. Veterans deserve to be treated with great care and to have their needs met in order to reduce negative outcomes for them and society. The Society for Military Psychology, a division of the American Psychological Association, has attempted to highlight some of these issues that need to be addressed by our mental health and primary care systems.

After reading the article, “Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the Criminal Justice System,” consider the question(s) below. Then “submit” your response.

Question 1

What percent of veterans who suffer from PTSD have been reported to have committed a violent crime?

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What percent of veterans who suffer from PTSD have been reported to have committed a violent crime?

Question 2

How many states have established Veterans’ Treatment Courts?

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B.
C.
D.

Question 3

Which of the following is not noted as a stage of military life warranting intervention?

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B.
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Which of the following is not noted as a stage of military life warranting intervention?

Question 4

Currently there are no central governing practices for the Veteran’s Treatment Courts. What would be the benefit in Division 19 of APA (Society for Military Psychology) providing best practice guidelines?

One possible answer might be that different jurisdictions could learn from each other and also share knowledge of best practices. It would also provide a template for other jurisdictions that are not currently involved to develop a Veterans’ Treatment Court of their own.

Question 5

What are some of the challenges that returning veterans with potential PTSD symptoms may face?

One possible answer might involve the difficulty veterans face reintegrating into civilian life. The presence of PTSD symptoms can interfere with multiple domains of their life.