NYPD To Remove Mentally Ill From Streets

The NYPD has reportedly initiated removal of the mentally ill from the streets of New York City. In the wake of recent situations involving the mentally ill, the plan is meant to promote safety.

The New York Police Department has reportedly compiled a list of 25 dangerous mental health patients, who are likely roaming the streets of New York City. Those detained will be questioned concerning failure to comply with court-ordered mental health treatment.

The task force was reportedly created in cooperation with the Health Department. Recent crime involving the mentally ill has prompted cooperation between the agencies in an effort to prevent dangerous situations.

As reported by the New York Post, two people were killed in December when pushed onto subway tracks. Both crimes were committed by mentally ill individuals who were not receiving treatment.

Sources say that incidents, like those in the subway, can create a liability for the city. An unidentified NYPD source discusses the plan to remove the mentally ill from the streets:

“After the Queens subway attack [of immigrant Sunando Sen], the [city] decided to take a proactive approach to track down the most dangerous mental-health patients that currently have mental-hygiene warrants.”

Last year nypost.com discussed the issue with with D. J Jaffe of the Mental Illness Policy Organization. He contends that at any given time there are 33,000 homeless adults in New York City. Almost 11,000 of those adults suffer from mental illness. Nearly 3,300 are “potentially violent.”

The NYPD task force reportedly began removing the mentally ill from streets earlier this month. Sources say that those detained are taken to area hospitals for treatment.