Repeated arrests and associated mental health characteristics in U.S. veterans: Results from a nationally representative study

INTRODUCTION: Military veterans experience higher rates of mental disorders compared to non-veterans, and criminal justice system involvement (CJI) may exacerbate these conditions. Despite this, few population-based studies have examined the prevalence, correlates, and mental health burden associated with CJI among veterans. METHODS: Data were analyzed from the National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, a nationally representative survey of 4,069 U.S. veterans. Prevalence of CJI and its sociodemographic and clinical correlates were assessed, comparing veterans with no arrests, one arrest, and two or more arrests. RESULTS: Overall, 30.1% of veterans reported a history of CJI, including 16.7% with one arrest and 13.4% with two or more arrests. Veterans with multiple arrests were more likely to be male, from racial or ethnic minority groups, unmarried or unpartnered, of lower educational attainment and income, and to utilize VA healthcare. They also exhibited significantly higher rates of current drug use disorders, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts compared with veterans with one or no arrests. CONCLUSION: CJI is common among U.S. veterans and is associated with substantial sociodemographic disadvantage and mental health burden. These findings underscore the need for targeted prevention and intervention efforts—particularly for veterans with repeated arrest histories—to address substance use, suicidality, and related psychosocial risk factors.