Morano and Caban Q&A with Kapner: misdemeanor veterans falling through cracks

Yeah, the one last thing that I want to ask you about goes, and I asked the administration about it too, is the

The Veterans Court doesn't account for what we would call just like the frequent flyer, like the person that comes in a lot on low-level misdemeanors, on violations,

our veterans, and fundamentally the problem is homelessness and access.

We're completely failing them.

Yeah, we have programming in place recently through cases and other organizations to treat people.

But for cases, you're usually mandating two or three sessions, and it's not like you're getting this person housing or where, you know.

There is no veteran-specific programming.

They will be more than happy to connect you to the extent they can.

If they become aware that you're a veteran, but it's not like you show up and it's like, oh, you're a veteran.

Yeah.

We've got something for you over here.

And I wish there was.

But on those cases, you saw open arraignments and, you know, you get told, oh, the offer's a violation in time served, misdemeanor in time served.

Ain't nobody having a conversation about anything else.

That's right.

Oh, I'm getting out right now?

Okay, cool.

See you later.

That's right.

I mean.

With a court mandate comes the possibility of failure, and failure can have consequences.

That is another problem.

We seek to protect our clients from those consequences.

But that's the thing.

If you're facing enough consequences to go down the treatment road, that's what usually happens.

But if you're not facing those consequences right now, we don't want to.

Usher you into a spot you really don't want to be.

But if only folks got the services or the stability they needed before the arrest.

The people who are criminal justice involved because of drugs or mental health, there's lots of setbacks.

It's not just getting them in the door.

You have to, many, many times you go through treatment and at some point it will stick or something in your life changes and you become much more open to it.

But it's, we don't want to set up our clients for failure.

Totally.

Totally.

Thank you.

Those are my questions.

Well done, Mr.

Kappner.

I tell you, whatever's in the water at your workplace that produced both you and Councilmember Caban should be replicated across the five boroughs.

I do hope many of my constituents will follow your lead in not judging elected officials too harshly.

One point.

Very informative and just such a great perspective on Veterans Court and everything that you spoke about.