NCJ Number
190412
Date Published
2001
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings and recommendations from a meeting of law enforcement professionals, judges, and substance abuse and mental health advocates, convened by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals for the purpose of discussing improvement in the delivery of services for people with mental illnesses who come in contact with the criminal justice system.
Abstract
The first section of the report, "Discretion and Diversion: Issues for Law Enforcement," addresses factors that directly impact law enforcement agencies and personnel. Topics discussed include shifts in police culture so that diversion for mentally ill individuals can be viewed as an acceptable alternative to jail; infrastructures that enable officers to divert offenders with mental illnesses; training for police on how to deal with this special population and interface with the appropriate community resources; and partnerships, alliances, and links with stakeholders in other systems. This section also describes a successful discretionary diversion initiative used in Memphis, TN. The second section of the report focuses on issues of concern to the mental health community. Topics considered include learning how to work across systems, establishing consistency and frequency of screening and evaluation of people with mental illnesses who are in the criminal justice system, and following clients through the criminal justice system. The concluding section considers how judges can help forge community and political support for initiatives that can facilitate the development of appropriate services for mentally ill individuals who come under the jurisdiction of the criminal justice system. A section on resources and referrals is included.