OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - An Oklahoma County program to give military veterans charged with nonviolent felonies an alternative to jail has grown to the point that it's had to move from the courthouse to a conference room in a nearby library.
Organizers of "vet court" told The Oklahoman (http://bit.ly/LrjO7G) that the increase is a good problem.
The Oklahoma County Veterans Diversion Program was started by Oklahoma County Public Defender Robert Ravitz and District Attorney David Prater in September. Those approved by Prater's office sign a contract of commitment to seek mental or behavioral health treatment, to stay out of trouble and to seek or maintain employment.
About 30 veterans initially were approved for the program. There are now 72 with about a dozen more awaiting approval. Ravitz says only five have failed the program.