One of the biggest issues in Atlanta politics at the moment is crime. The next mayor will have a mandate to be aggressive about dealing with the issue. One of the ways to improve policing is to make sure they aren’t wasting their time or spinning their wheels on less than the most serious issues. To that end, the City of Atlanta and Fulton County have just announced an agreement to start a Center for Diversion and Services that will provide alternatives for those suffering from mental health issues and focus on keeping them out of the county jail and city detention center.
In general, these mental health problems do not exhibit the kind of violent crime that is making news but they do take an astonishing amount of police time, some studies have shown nearly a quarter of all police interactions involve a mental health or substance abuse crisis. Most that are charged face minor misdemeanor crimes or low-level felonies tied to their illness. When those with mental illness are booked into jail, they have trouble getting out and remain there four to eight times longer than those without mental health problems.
The new center in Downtown Atlanta is slated to open in 2022 and will offer specialty services where officers and first responders can bring individuals who are in need of regarding mental health, substance abuse or extreme poverty. Previously all these people would find themselves in a jail, detention center or a hospital emergency room – none of which are necessarily prepared to address these types of issues.
“I have long committed to thoughtful criminal justice reform, to help address the systemic issues that lead people to engage in criminal activity. This includes repurposing the Atlanta City Detention Center,” said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. “By introducing diversion services to this facility, we are helping those charged with minor, non-violent offenses access the resources they need to help turn their lives around. It is equity in action and another historic step in our vision for a more equitable Atlanta.”
Grady Hospital and the Police Alternatives and Diversion program will help staff the center, which is expected to potentially keep 41 people out of locals jails or Grady’s emergency room.
Fulton County District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis noted the connection between better treatment for these mental health sufferers and improvement of the judicial system. “This is a common-sense solution that will keep many people with mental illness out of the jail and the court system, resulting in better outcomes for those residents, and a more efficient justice system. Behavioral Health services are a critical service provided by Fulton County and we are excited about this partnership,” said Ellis.
The Chief of Police in Atlanta, Rodney Bryant, was also on hand for the announcement and talked about the potential life-changing nature of the center, as people will now be more likely to find treatment instead of being stuck in a jail cell. “We know that we can’t arrest our way out of crime and we welcome the opportunity to serve and work directly with the Center for Diversion and Services. The APD will continue our efforts to be good stewards as we work together to direct people to the necessary services and resources needed to help change their lives and their outlook on life.”
