zlacker

Wait - a "major problem" is that a "few commit crimes"?

I think the real issue is that the US has some socio-economic issues that we've as yet let unresolved: drugs (as mentioned), policing strategy, judicial/legislative strategy, welfare, education, etc. I don't think institutionalization is a major contributor.

>>nickpi+(OP)
Just because a small portion of the mentally ill commit crimes does not mean that a small portion of crimes are committed by the mentally ill.

A quick google search finds a source claiming that about 10-20% of the prison population (a few hundred thousand) are seriously mentally ill:

http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/forensic-psych/content/artic...

>>yummyf+a1
Beyond that, the conditions in some prisoner (esp. California's) can lead to mental illness. Talk to someone who has been in AdSeg, as an example.