Statistics for Incarceration of People Diagnosed With a Mental Illness

According to data collected by the Prison Policy Initiative:

Key Statistics:

• Percent of people in state and federal prisons who have been diagnosed with a mental illness: 37% +

• In locally-run jails: 44% +

• Number of people experiencing "serious psychological distress" in jails: 1 in 4 +

• Percent of people in federal prisons who reported not receiving any mental health care while incarcerated: 66% +

• Percent of police shootings in 2015 that involved a mental health crisis: 27% +

• Portion of people jailed 3+ times within a year who report having a moderate or serious mental illness: 27% +

• Lasting effects of incarceration: post-traumatic stress, anxiety, impaired decision-making, and more +