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7512D7274924BF0B8725874A0052D287 Hearing Summary




PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For OVERVIEW OF MENTAL HEALTH JAIL STANDARDS

JOINT COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ON TREATMENT OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
Date Sep 8, 2021      
Location HCR 0112



Overview of Mental Health Jail Standards - Committee Discussion Only


09:04:41 AM  

Captain Jamison Brown, representing the Colorado Jail Association and Denver County Sheriff Department, updated the committee on jail standards.  He reported that the County Sheriffs of Colorado have been working on uniform jail standards for upwards of 15 years but have not come to an agreement.  He discussed jails and mental health services, resources or lack thereof, and court ordered medications.  He noted that Colorado is one of 13 states without statewide jail standards. 

09:13:37 AM  

Dr. Nikki Johnson, Chief of Mental Health Services, Denver County Sheriff's Office, provided an overview of her background and position.  She discussed competency, mental health step-down units, crisis response teams, and jail standards. 

Committee members asked questions about how jails address mental health services absent state-wide standards. Captain Brown and Dr. Johnson responded that most jails have standards and policies already in place that are not dissimilar from each other.   They also referenced the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care. 

09:24:29 AM  

Committee discussion followed about step-down units, the solitary confinement bill passed in 2021, wrap-around services, continuity of care, and certified and non-certified jail deputies.  

09:39:00 AM  

Committee members asked questions about private treatment providers and regional diversion centers. 






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