The Issue

The National Association of Probation Officers (NAPO) is currently campaigning about the number of, and lack of support for, veterans caught up in the criminal justice system, with their latest report published in September 2009.

They estimate that there are 8,500 veterans in custody at any one time in the UK, and 12,000 on probation or parole. So, veterans make up about 8.5% of the total prison population, and 6% of those on probation and parole.

Overall there are around 20,000 veterans in the criminal justice system, compared to around 9,000 troops in Afghanistan.

The majority of offenders have chronic alcohol or drug problems, and nearly half suffer from mental health issues. They are most likely to have been convicted of a violent crime, particularly domestic abuse.

How has it happened?

Professor Tim Robbins, consultant clinical psychologist and former head of traumatic stress services at St George's Hospital, London, said that, soldiers are asked to do appalling things and take part in regular armed combat which eventually desensitises them to violence.

One soldier talked about a 'macho' culture within the army, often revolving around drink, and when soldiers leave the army, they are effectively leaving behind their support network.

Who's saying what?

MPs:
The reports were triggered by complaints from several MPs, notably Elfyn Llwyd, who claimed the Government has broken it's covenant with the armed forces.

Ministry of Defence:

The Defence Ministry stated that they do provide support and after-care for ex-service personnel, with their Prison-In-Reach initiative aiming to raise awareness about help available to offenders.

The Soldiers:

Veteran Mark Smith said soldiers are essentially left to find their own way when they leave the forces. He did find help at Combat Stress, a mental health charity for veterans, but said that much more must be done.

What should be done?

NAPO's figures show that help and support for veterans is not sufficient. The government may have set up what they believe to be adequate forums of support, but I believe that we need to look at when and where support is available. Shouldn't more help be available before veterans become offenders?

The help available needs to be of the right capacity, and reach the right people at the right time. NAPO suggested that soldiers should be referred to relevant help organisations rather than arrested. This may be more helpful in preventing further offences than a period in prison.

We have a duty to help our veterans rebuild their lives. This is the least they deserve after their service to our country.

The media focuses on the returning dead and injured, but I believe we need to address the needs of all returning soldiers to prevent them also becoming casualties of our wars.

Words: Claire Moon

Photo: sxc.hu