Gary A. Harki
The Virginian-Pilot
Originally published August 23, 2018
Here is an excerpt:
“We are arresting people who have no idea what the laws are or the rules are because they're off their medications,” said Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall, a vice president of the National Sheriffs’ Association. “You'd never arrest someone for a heart attack, but you're comfortable arresting someone who is diagnosed mentally ill. No other country in the world is doing it this way.”
In addition to causing pain and suffering for people with mental illness, the practice is costing municipalities millions.
At least 53 percent of the deaths examined have resulted in a lawsuit. Combined, the cases have cost municipalities at least $145 million. The true cost is much higher – in many cases, lawsuits are still pending and in others the settlement amount is secret. The figures also do not take into account lawyers’ fees.
The article is here.
There are a series of articles related to mental health issues in prison.
