Mental illness, crime, and violence: Risk, context, and social control

In this article, I review theory and research on the relationship between mental illness, crime, and violence. I begin by discussing the larger backdrop of deinstitutionalization of mental illness and its consequences for the criminal justice system in both individual and macro-level terms. I then compare public perceptions of dangerousness associated with mental illness with individual-level studies that assess the risk of violence and criminal behavior among those with mental illness. I review key findings as to the role of certain psychotic symptoms, social demographic characteristics, and the context in which violence unfolds. Finally, I discuss recent efforts at managing persons with mental illness who violate the law, focusing on the limitations of diversionary programs.

Research Highlights► Deinstitutionalization led to overrepresentation of persons with mental illness in the criminal justice system. ► Public perceptions of the risk of violence associated with mental illness are overstated but not unfounded. ► Factors leading to violence among include untreated symptoms, social demographic characteristics, neighborhood and situational dynamics. ► Programs that manage persons with mental illness who violate the law are limited in their scope and effectiveness, relative to their need.