Pulaski County Judge Crystal Kocher was recently selected as a recipient of the 2026 Sgt. Steven P. Mennemeyer Memorial Award; which recognizes significant contributions to Indiana’s justice-involved veterans.
Judge Kocher’s work since her 2017 appointment has led to the creation of the Pulaski County Veterans Treatment Court. In 2019 the court became certified as Indiana’s 100th Problem-Solving Court.
Pulaski County Veterans Treatment Court addresses not only criminal behavior, but also the underlying issues that often contribute to justice involvement among veterans, including trauma, substance use disorders, mental health challenges, housing instability, and service-related injuries. Veterans Treatment Courts are designed to connect veterans with treatment, mentorship, and community-based support while maintaining accountability within the justice system. Through collaboration among the court, probation, treatment providers, veteran mentors, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and community organizations, veterans are provided opportunities to stabilize their lives, reconnect with their families, secure housing and employment, and successfully reintegrate into the community.
In addition to improving outcomes for veterans, Pulaski County Veterans Treatment Court provide substantial benefits to local communities by reducing recidivism, lowering incarceration costs, increasing access to treatment services, and strengthening public safety. The treatment courts recognize that many justice-involved veterans carry the invisible wounds of military service and that treatment and support can be more effective than punishment alone in promoting lasting rehabilitation.
Under Judge Kocher’s leadership, the Pulaski County Veterans Treatment Court has become an important community resource dedicated not only to participants currently involved in the criminal justice system, but also to assisting veterans and families in need of support and connection to services.
The Pulaski County Veterans Treatment Court encourages any veteran in need of assistance to reach out for help, regardless of the justice involvement. Resources are available for everyone through the assistance of the Pulaski County Navigator and the Veterans Court Coordinator.
Veterans or family members seeking assistance may contact:
Pulaski County Veterans Treatment Court
574-225-0222
Pulaski County Community Navigator
574-216-3295
