Mental illness is over-represented in the incarcerated population. Although people with mental illness are not more likely to commit crimes, once involved in the criminal justice system, they tend to be re-arrested more frequently.

Using data from the Durham County Detention Facility and Duke Health, this team examined the interaction of people incarcerated in Durham County with Duke Health, with a particular focus on those with mental illness and substance use disorder. 

Their work showed that individuals with serious mental illness and substance use disorder are most likely to be repeatedly arrested in Durham. They also found that a visit to the Duke Emergency Department is associated with greater likelihood of re-arrest in the near future.

The team also examined the effect of cash bail reform on re-arrest, and found that the policy to reduce the use of secured bonds did not affect re-arrest rates, but that other factors, such as mental illness and substance use disorder, are predictive of re-arrest regardless of this policy.

Mental Health and the Justice System in Durham County: Interactions with Duke Health and The Impact of Cash Bail Reform

Poster by Brianna Cellini, William Feng, Luong Huynh, Isabella Larsen, Maya Pandey, Matthew Ralph, Becky Tang, Maria Tackett and Nicole Schramm-Sapyta