AURORA, Colo.—A four-county judicial district east of Denver is considering setting up a mental health court to get treatment for people with mental problems rather than putting them in jail.
Judges, prosecutors and others in the 18th Judicial District are looking at ways to structure and fund such a court.
The district includes Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties.
William Sylvester, the district’s chief judge, says many repeat offenders have mental problems, and without treatment they will continue to show up in court and land in jail.
District Attorney Carol Chambers says treating people with mental problems could save taxpayers money by reducing the number of inmates and reducing the need to build more jail space.
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Information from: Aurora Sentinel,
