THE BERNALILLO COUNTY COMMISSION WILL SPEND MORE THAN A MILLION DOLLARS TO HELP THE HOMELESS AND MENTALLY ILL WHO ARE CAUGHT UP IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. COMMISSIONER WAYNE JOHNSON SAYS PROVIDING HOUSING AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IS A BETTER ALTERNATIVE THAN SHIPPING PEOPLE OFF TO JAIL.
HE SAYS TOO MANY MENTALLY ILL PEOPLE IN THE COUNTY ARE BEING TREATED AT THE MDC BECAUSE THERE'S NOWHERE ELSE FOR THEM TO GO.
COUNTY OFFICIALS SAY MORE THAN HALF OF THE INMATE POPULATION AT M-D-C RECEIVES PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES WITHIN THE JAIL.
