The Amsterdam post-booking diversion program; a new program for mentally disordered suspects

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychiatry
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• A diversion program was established in Amsterdam for mentally disordered (MD) suspects.
• It involved collaboration between prosecutors and emergency psychiatric services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize prosecutor decision-making regarding prosecution or mental health diversion for MD suspects.
• To evaluate the implementation and outcomes of the diversion program.

Main Methods:

• Collected demographic, legal, and clinical data for MD suspects in the program over 40 months.
• Analyzed data to assess program effectiveness and patient characteristics.

Main Results:

• The cohort had a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders (38.9% psychotic disorders).
• Suspects with psychotic disorders were frequently dismissed from charges and hospitalized.
• A significant portion of the cohort exhibited social vulnerability.

Conclusions:

• The diversion program was successfully implemented, enhancing prosecutor decision-making.
• Most mentally disordered suspects, particularly those with psychotic disorders, were diverted to mental health services.
• The findings underscore the necessity for integrated socio-economic support programs for this population.