Home / Crime and Justice / Jails Struggle with Rising Mental Health Crisis
Jails Struggle with Rising Mental Health Crisis
3 Dec
Summary
- National suicide rates in local jails are nearly five times higher than the general population.
- Virginia Beach Correctional Center faces staffing shortages and an influx of mentally ill inmates.
- Experts argue funding community-based mental health care is more effective than jail-based treatment.
National suicide rates within local jails have reached alarming levels, nearly five times higher than in the general population, underscoring a critical mental health crisis. Facilities like the Virginia Beach Correctional Center are straining under the pressure, with a significant portion of inmates requiring mental health medication and facing a lack of adequate specialized care.
Sheriff Rocky Holcomb acknowledges the immense challenge of operating jails not designed for intensive mental health supervision, especially with staff shortages and frequent medical emergencies. Despite enhanced observation protocols for inmates at risk, unpredictable self-harm incidents remain a stark reality, leading to tragic outcomes.
Experts contend that enhanced funding for community-based mental health services and preventative programs is a more effective approach than solely focusing on in-custody care. This shift aims to address the root causes of mental distress before individuals enter the correctional system, ultimately reducing the burden on jails and improving overall public health.
