Adult Criminal Justice and Diversion

Through an NIMH Developing Center grant, William Fisher, Ph.D., brought together investigators from mental health services research, criminology, and law to create a multi-disciplinary infrastructure to examine the interface between the mental health and criminal justice systems. Dr. Fisher conducted ground-breaking research finding high levels of criminal offending among people using mental health services. Offenses included a substantial number of major felony crimes against persons and property and arrest rates of persons in the mental health cohort were higher than those in the general public in nearly every offense category. Albert Grudzinskas, JD, and other researchers at the Center found that diversion programs at the interface of the mental health and criminal justice systems may be able to deflect criminal justice involvement among arrestees with mental illness but additional efforts will be necessary. This research suggests that environmental influences need to be considered in developing services for persons at risk of offending. Select the button links above to learn more about the projects, studies and findings in this area of research.