Evidence-based analysis of mentally 111 individuals in the criminal justice system

Abstract

The incarceration of mentally ill individuals in the Unites States has come under increased scrutiny in recent years due to both ethical and practical concerns. This paper describes research aimed at advancing the understanding of the treatment of the mentally ill population within the local criminal justice system. Specifically, it (1) demonstrates how data collected from a variety of agencies can be used to determine whether or not this population is treated differently than others in terms of bonding and sentencing decisions, time served, and other key measures and (2) provides a framework for continued data collection and analysis in the criminal justice system. Offender data were collected from Jefferson Area Community Corrections, Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail, and Region Ten Community Services Board for the period July 2015 through February 2016, including data from the Brief Jail Mental Health Screen to identify individuals who are likely suffering from mental illness. The collected data also include actuarial risk, bonding and sentencing decisions, time served, and receipt of mental health services. Inmates who were referred for further evaluation had several differing characteristics compared to inmates that were not referred for further mental health evaluation. The two groups differed in the types of crimes committed. Inmates referred for further mental health evaluation spent more time in jail and had longer sentences overall compared to all other inmates controlling for actuarial risk. Continued collection of data and further analysis are needed to draw conclusions about the treatment of mentally ill individuals in Charlottesville's criminal justice system.