Hinds County sheriff, Jackson interim police chief express concern about mental health

Joshua Williams, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
·2 min read
Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones, stands with state elected officials, Hinds County legislators, supervisors, and other lawmen, and speaks to reporters about the Hinds County Public Safety Initiative, a project they believe will address crime in Hinds County through temporary judges, assistant district attorneys, and public defenders, Wednesday, May 4, 2022, in Jackson, Miss.
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Jackson metropolitan area top law enforcement officials are speaking out about last week's announcement that St. Dominic in Jackson is closing its Behavioral Health Services and laying off 157 people.

Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones and Jackson Interim Police Chief Joseph Wade both expressed concerns that closing the Behavioral Health Services will have a negative impact on people with mental health issues in the area.

Jones said in a statement that he is afraid if action isn't taken to afford more money for mental health and treatment for those suffering from mental illnesses, law enforcement will continue to encounter those individuals and jail isn't the solution.

"It's disappointing to learn St. Dominic Hospital is discontinuing the Behavioral Health unit," Jones tweeted on Friday, June 9. "Another mental health resource that is no longer available. This is a burden for law enforcement and our state. This should be a concern for our leaders to act swiftly and address mental health."

In another Friday tweet, Jones said, "Jails across the state and America are populated with 'patients' suffering from mental illnesses. Sheriffs and Wardens assume the responsibility of these individuals when in reality, SOME of them should not be in jail but rather a treatment institution. The risks will increase."

"Similar to many healthcare systems in recent years, St. Dominic faces substantial financial challenges," St. Dominic said in announcing the closure and layoffs. "After a thorough assessment of our staffing and services and following the loss of several million dollars in the last 3 to 5 years, St. Dominic has determined the immediate need to make significant changes to best serve the patients of central Mississippi and ensure the long-term sustainability of St. Dominic's."

St. Dominic announces closure: Jackson hospital to layoff 157 with behavioral health unit to close entirely

Jackson Police Assistant Chief Joseph Wade speaks during a hearing hosted by the Jackson delegation of the Mississippi Legislature at the state Capitol in Jackson on Monday, March 6, 2023.
Jackson Police Assistant Chief Joseph Wade speaks during a hearing hosted by the Jackson delegation of the Mississippi Legislature at the state Capitol in Jackson on Monday, March 6, 2023.

Wade expressed his own concerns about people with mental difficulties receiving treatment.

"Putting them in jail is not fixing their issue," Wade told WLBT. "Putting them in jail is really compounding the issue because they need help. Those individuals need medication and resources to help them get better. criminalizing it, putting them in jail is only making the situation worse for us."

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson MS metro law enforcement say mental health services are needed