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THE CHANGING ROLE OF THE
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM WITH
Mentally Ill
Offenders
david Mailloux, loRRaine pRiesT,
fRedeRiCk lawRenCe, and Ray BynuM
The number of shootings involving offenders with mental
health issues is rising. It is estimated that 30% of offenders
suffer from some form of mental illness. Therefore, the
criminal justice system has had to dramatically change
its approach toward mental illness. The change has
not been easy or come willingly in some cases
(Reuland, et al, 2009: Uetz, 2017).
AMERICANJails NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2021 | 51
