Comparison of Texas Maximum Security Patients, 1965-1976 (From Forensic Psychiatric Patient in Texas - Historical Perspective and Normative Research on Dangerousness, Appendix 3, 1980 - See NCJ-85168)

• NCJ Number: 85171
• Author(s): H K Dudley
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 73 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Statistics
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Available on microfiche as NCJ-85168

Annotation

Characteristics of criminally charged and criminally committed patients in Texas State mental hospitals are compared as of August 31, 1965, and August 31, 1976, and characteristics of these types of patients separated from hospitals are compared for September 1, 1964 - August 31, 1965, and September 1, 1975 - August 31, 1976.

Abstract

In Texas, the term mentally abnormal offender includes but is not limited to persons found incompetent to stand trial, those judged not guilty by reason of insanity, and those committed for pretrial evaluations. Persons with no charges pending who have been transferred from a State psychiatric hospital or the Department of Corrections to the forensic unit at Rusk State Hospital because of their behavior or treatment needs are also considered mentally abnormal offenders (MAO'S). The number of MAO's in a Texas State mental hospital in 1976 did not differ significantly from the number of similar patients in 1965 (250), even though the percentage has increased from 1.6 percent of the average daily mental hospital census to 4.1 percent, largely because of the growing emphasis on community treatment. Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter were the most frequently reported single categories of offenses in both years. Data are also provided on characteristics by sex, ethnicity, diagnosis, county of residence, and comparison with total patient population. Overall, MAO's were discharged in greater numbers during the later period. Tabular data are provided.