THE INCOMPETENT DEFENDANT - SUPPORT SYSTEMS HELP AVOID FUTURE LEGAL-PROBLEMS

Reducing crime and improving efficiency of our criminal justice system should be facilitated by identifying how to treat and manage mental h ealth patients who are prone to committing criminal acts more effectiv ely. A total of 142 competency evaluations were reviewed from cases ev aluated by the Galveston County Forensic Psychiatrist from 1984 to 199 0. Examination of data from these defendants allowed us to address the psychiatric needs of these defendants in terms of contact with the me ntal health system, particularly those who had more than one criminal justice system contact. The latter defendants lacked social support sy stems and consistent mental health system follow-up to provide stabili zation of their condition. It was felt that this was a factor in their more frequent contact with the criminal justice system.