Persons with Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System: Police Interventions to Prevent Violence and Criminalization

Abstract

Studies of contacts between persons with mental illness and police officers generally focus on outcomes for officers, with limited research on the experiences of persons with mental illness. Direct and indirect violence against persons with mental illness, which is perpetrated by the police, adversely affects the criminal justice system and society. Understanding the ramifications of interactions between police and persons with mental illness can highlight the potential for targeted improvements to reduce violent victimization. Incorporating information from successful programs, this article presents recommendations for improving procedural justice for persons with mental illness at different contact points with the criminal justice system.