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DPS discusses plan to help inmates suffering from mental illness

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Around 40 percent of the 23,000 Marion County jail inmates suffer from a mental illness. That’s according to the department of public safety, which hosted a neighborhood meeting Tuesday.

Director Troy Riggs says it’s important to provide them resources as they transition from jail back into society. An idea under discussion is an engagement facility, where inmates can get help for mental illness, or drug and alcohol addictions.

“We’re having high homicide and fatal shooting rates. These two go hand and hand. We have to get our hands around health issues if we want to be safe in this community,” said Riggs.

Another meeting will be held next week to continue the discussion on building the engagement facility.