NCJ Number
144696
Date Published
1993
Length
25 pages
Annotation
The National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (NACRO) has developed policy recommendations on reducing and diverting the number of mentally disturbed offenders in England's criminal justice system.
Abstract
NACRO recommends that local mechanisms be established to link criminal justice, health, and social service agencies involved in the care and treatment of mentally disturbed offenders. Police officers should receive improved training in relevant legislation, such as the Mental Health Act of 1983 and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act of 1984. Police officers who have some specialist knowledge of and experience in dealing with mentally disturbed offenders should provide advice to colleagues or be aware of other professionals who can offer specialist advice and guidance. Bail should be used more often for mentally disturbed offenders than custody, except in cases where there is reason to believe the offender will not appear in court as required. Prosecution-related personnel and probation officers should establish public interest case assessment schemes to ensure that the prosecution has verified information on the circumstances of mentally disturbed offenders. In addition, an effective arrangement is needed for systematically recording information on and monitoring the involvement of mentally disturbed offenders in the criminal justice system. Local social service agencies and health authorities may want to consider establishing crisis intervention centers in cities and large towns to offer appropriate short-term residential facilities for mentally disturbed offenders. Operational aspects and benefits of diverting mentally disturbed offenders are discussed, as well as ways of increasing the effectiveness of diversion.