Nassau lawmakers push Veterans Treatment Court option

Republican legislators in Nassau County are proposing a bill that would require police to ask anyone they arrest if they are a veteran.
They say many veterans aren't aware of the special court program and may miss an opportunity that could change their lives. Veterans arrested for non-violent crimes can have their cases heard in special veteran's courtrooms. 
Many cases handled in veterans court end up with defendants getting treatment or psychological services instead of time in jail. 
Advocates for veterans say it's a more appropriate punishment, considering what many servicemen and women have gone through.
There are 18 veterans' courts around the state. Suffolk has the busiest case load, followed by Nassau.