Examination of Crime Trajectories and the Relation to behavioral Health Treatment

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

Research supports the notion that individuals with co-occurring disorders are more likely to be justice involved than individuals that have either substance issues or mental health diagnosis alone. In addition to increased propensity for justice involvement, there is also an increased likelihood of a higher number of interactions with the criminal justice system. This research utilized latent class modeling techniques on a macro level approach to observe the relationship between crime rates and behavioral health interventions. UCR data from 2011-2015 were used to create latent classes from 169 towns across Connecticut. The number of substance abuse, mental health, and co-occurring treated individuals within each town were regressed upon the latent class membership. Variations across latent trajectories of crime by town as it relates to substance abuse and mental health may direct future policy.

Authors

• Julia R. Walsh, Central Connecticut State University

• Eugena M. Givens, Central Connecticut State University