In this court, veterans have their backs when support is needed the most
CNN••nation
Key Points:
- Greg Pryer, a Marine Corps veteran and former NYPD sergeant, struggled with alcohol addiction after retiring, leading to multiple arrests on weapons and DUI charges in Suffolk County, Long Island.
- Pryer was eligible for Suffolk County Veterans Treatment Court, a specialized program that offers rehabilitation and mental health counseling to veterans in lieu of jail time, with the goal of addressing underlying issues and reducing sentences.
- Established in 2010 by Judge John Toomey, a Vietnam War veteran, the court operates with a casual, supportive approach, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, and maintains a 90% success rate among participants.
- The program includes ongoing court monitoring, tailored treatment plans, and mentorship from volunteer veterans known as the Green
