Mentally Ill Criminals: Examples, Impact, and Solutions

The case of Armando Cruz, shown hanging from his prison cell with a note that read “Remember me,” is a haunting example of the intersection of mental illness and the criminal justice system. This highly publicized event highlights the inhumane conditions and the costly nature of incarcerating individuals with mental health issues.

Examples of Mentally Ill Criminals

The death of Armando Cruz is not an isolated incident. His story is part of a broader narrative of individuals with mental health issues making their way through the criminal justice system, often through no fault of their own. Society has made the decision that incarceration, frequently the only option available, is the best way to handle these individuals.

One such example is that of mentally ill criminals. These individuals often suffer from serious mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression, which can lead to dangerous behavior or criminal actions. Yolanda Cruz, the mother of Armando, advocates for awareness and reform. Her grief and determination to prevent such tragedies underscore the urgent need for a more humane and cost-effective approach to dealing with mentally ill individuals in the criminal justice system.

Impact and Consequences

The treatment of mentally ill individuals within the criminal justice system is not only inhumane but also incredibly costly. In New York City, the cost to house an inmate for one year was estimated at $167,731 in 2013. While these figures have likely changed, they still highlight the financial burden. For the minimum cost to house a prisoner today, you could attend Princeton University for an entire year. When we add the costs associated with those on death row, which can exceed one million dollars, the system becomes both inefficient and expensive.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the incarcerated mentally ill often face further exploitation and abuse from predatory inmates. Moreover, they are frequently left without adequate support or treatment, further deteriorating their mental health. This creates a vicious cycle where individuals with mental health issues are trapped in a system that has failed them.

Solutions and Advocacy

Yolanda Cruz's advocacy and the broader mental health in criminal justice movement aim to change this reality. Advocates push for policies that ensure individuals with mental health issues receive appropriate treatment and support before, during, and after their incarceration. This includes increases in funding for mental health services, improved training for law enforcement and correctional staff, and the establishment of diversion programs that divert individuals with mental health issues away from the criminal justice system and into treatment programs.

Advocacy also focuses on ending the incarcerated mental health patients cycle, where those with mental health issues are often incarcerated due to a lack of available mental health services and facilities. By working towards a more comprehensive and compassionate approach, we can reduce the number of mentally ill individuals in jail and create a more just and effective criminal justice system.

It is crucial for both the public and policymakers to understand the importance of addressing mental health issues within the criminal justice system. By doing so, we can not only save lives but also reduce the overall cost and inefficiency of the system. Let us ensure that no more families have to endure the grief and loss that Yolanda Cruz has experienced.