A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to the department of correction report on jail population statistics

Summary

This legislation, Int. No. 695, amends the administrative code of the city of New York to enhance the Department of Correction's reporting on jail population statistics. It requires the department to include detailed information on individuals in custody who receive treatment for mental illness (an 'M Designation') or have a 'Serious Mental Illness'. The enhanced reporting will be disaggregated by race, gender, co-occurring substance use disorder, reported homelessness upon arrest and discharge, and whether a Single Point of Access application has been submitted to the department of health and mental hygiene or any other city agency. The report will be posted on the department's website quarterly, within 45 days of the end of each fiscal quarter. This law takes effect 90 days after enactment.

Citizen Impact

This law will provide greater transparency into the mental health and housing status of individuals within the city's jails, allowing for more informed public discussion and policy development regarding mental health services and homelessness within the correctional system.

Confidence

high