Scope of the Issue
People with mental illness are increasingly involved with a criminal justice system that often does not have the capacity to assist them:
...with police
A 2008 research study by the Vancouver Police Department found that more than one-third of all calls for Vancouver Police involve people with mental health issues. In the Downtown Eastside, it increases to almost one in every two calls. A CMHA BC Division study found that over 30% of people came into contact with police during their first experience trying to access mental health care in BC.
...in the courts
The Street Crime Working Group - a committee of the BC Justice Review Task Force - estimates that 35 to 40 persons with mental illness appear in Vancouver Provincial Courts every day. The most common offences committed by people with mental health problems are thefts under $5,000, assaults, and breaches of court orders....in the prisons
Research indicates that the majority of those in BC prisons face mental health problems. A 2008 study found over 30% of the corrections population had been diagnosed with a substance use disorder and an additional 26% were diagnosed with a mental disorder. Of those diagnosed with a substance use disorder, more than 75% were also diagnosed with a non drug-related mental disorder. Corrections Service of Canada (CSC) reports "a considerable increase in the number of offenders experiencing mental health problems upon admission to CSC facilities." From 1997-2007, rates have risen by 71% among men and 61% among women.
Our Involvement
The Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division has identified mental health and the justice system as a priority policy area. Our work in this area includes the following topics:
- Police Interactions with People with Mental Illness
- Mental Health Diversion
- Fact Sheets
- Mental Health and Police/Justice Resource Links