Sheriffs Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in the Community and in the Jails

The major theme of this publication is the effective response of law enforcement agencies to mental illness in their communities. In 2014, the Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) received a grant from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) to identify programs and practices used by its member sheriffs to divert individuals with serious mental health issues from incarceration in their jails to professional mental health providers and networks. The research team examines how the needs of these incarcerated individuals are addressed by the sheriffs and associated stakeholders of the criminal justice system when alternatives to arrest are not available.

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Federal Sponsor Agency: COPS Office

Provider: Major County Sheriffs of America

Publication Date: February 2019