The CSG Justice Center recently released their Criminal Justice Data Snapshots for all 50 states, so of course, I reviewed the report for the State of Michigan.
The Michigan Criminal Justice System is WOEFULLY out of sync with addiction and mental health. Our state punishes addiction and trauma rather than meaningfully treat it because we do not have the appropriate resources in place.
Many professionals, especially judges and prosecutors, need to pay attention.
Key Takeaways
- More people die due to drug overdoses and suicide than homicide. In Michigan in 2023, 2,736 people died from drug overdoses, 1,563 deaths were alcohol induced, 1,529 people died by suicide, and 637 people were victims of homicide.
- The Mental Health and Criminal Justice Systems are failing people and it’s only going to get worse. By 2036, the projected number of addiction counselors, mental health counselors, and psychologists in Michigan is estimated to be less than the projected need.
- Michigan has the 12th Highest probation supervision rate in the country in 2022. In 2021, 42% of probation violation admissions were for technical violations.
- In Michigan, 79% of Collateral Consequences for Convictions are Employment related. Meaning the state is actively contributing to keeping people in poverty and limiting opportunities.
- Significant racial disparities exist. Compared to white adults in Michigan, black adults are 6.4x more likely to be in prison.
Pulling it All Together
Michigan and its Criminal Justice System needs to step it up and get to work on addressing these issues by implementing diversion programs, and stop punishing people who are very clearly hurting. We NEED MORE Community Intervention.
Addiction Counselors, Mental Health Professionals, LESS Prosecutors harming people to the benefit of their careers.
MORE Behavior and Crisis Response Teams, less militarization of the police.
Less Warehousing of traumatized and addiction-impacted people.
We need leaders to start data and stop playing politics. We need our leaders to use data and make evidence-based decisions.
Read the full report here.
