Mirror Indy investigation sparks action to keep hospital patients out of jail

An investigation by Mirror Indy has prompted changes in Marion County, Indiana, to prevent individuals arrested at local hospitals from being sent to jail. According to Kendal Gulbrandsen, a lawyer at the Marion County Public Defender Agency, most of these cases are related to mental health or substance abuse issues. Hospital staff often attempt to arrest individuals immediately upon their arrival at hospitals, leading to unnecessary detainment.

Starting in 2021, the prosecutor's office implemented a program called Quality of Life, aimed at diverting people arrested for low-level misdemeanors such as disorderly conduct, resisting law enforcement, and trespassing. By entering this program, participants can avoid criminal charges if they secure housing or complete treatment for mental health or substance abuse issues.

Michael Leffler, a spokesperson for the prosecutor's office, confirmed that eligibility for the program is determined by factors like an individual's criminal history, circumstances, and needs.

Mirror Indy's investigation revealed that non-violent offenses, often linked to mental illness, are causing a majority of cases at Eskenazi Health, where hospital police arrest someone approximately every two to three days. Other major hospital systems in Indianapolis, including IU Health, Ascension St. Vincent, and Community Health Network, have also established their own police departments, though these forces operate with limited public oversight.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office, which oversees the jail, has expressed support for the diversion program for hospital-related arrests. Sheriff Kerry Forestal, who is seeking re-election as a state representative, previously criticized hospital police for unnecessarily detaining individuals experiencing mental illness instead of providing necessary treatment.

In January, his office ended a partnership with Eskenazi Health, which now runs its own independent police force.