What Is The Impact Of The Criminal Justice System?

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The criminal justice system plays a major part within our community. Every aspect of the criminal justice system affects the community and the population. Within our jails and prison 20% of the U.S population is currently being held in a prison or jail. Within that 20% percent a lot of these people are diagnosed with a mental illness. The increase of people in the system and the increase of reported mentally ill person is very alarming and important to discuss and find solutions for. With increase of mentally ill individuals increasing the level of training for officers is not at the same right. Most prisons or jail don’t have a specific way to handle nor treat individuals with a mental illness. This paper will discuss recent research regarding mental illness is, the impacts of mental illness, the impact of the criminal justice system, and how the system handles these individuals. Type of Offender According to the National Alliance Mental illness is defined as a condition that impacts a person’s thinking, feeling, or mood and may affect his or her ability to relate to others or function on a …show more content…

In recent research from 1978-2014 the prison population has increased 408%. Currently it’s reported that 2.26 million people are currently in prison and half of those offenders are diagnosed with a mental disorders. Out of the 2.26 million people currently incarcerated 40% of those a diagnosed with a mental health disorders. Most individuals with mental health issues show signs upon booking but are not properly diagnosed if ever diagnosed within the system. Suicide is the leading way to death within prison which most times individuals who commit suicide in jail have some type of mental illness. Mental illness amongst offenders is estimated to be at least five times more prevalent than in the community (The Sentencing Project,

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