Report: Proportion of L.A. County Jail Inmates With Mental Illnesses Rose Slightly Under Prop. 47

The proportion of Los Angeles County inmates with mental illnesses has increased slightly, from 18% to 20%, since California voters approved Proposition 47, according to a new report by the L.A. County chief executive office. The ballot initiative aimed to reduce criminal penalties and provide community-based mental health services, among other things. Stephen Shea, the county's medical director for jail mental health programs, said that the increase likely was a temporary "blip" and has since stabilized.

• "Prop. 47 Report Finds Fewer Drug Arrests, Less Crowding in Jails" (Chang/Sewell, Los Angeles Times, 2/25).