SALEM, OR - A state survey shows that nearly 9 percent of inmates in Oregon's 30 county-run jails are persons with serious mental illnesses, and concludes that both the inmates and jails would benefit from their diversion to other types of programs.

"By and large, the survey found that many of these people have committed lesser crimes and don't pose significant risk to the public," said Bob Nikkel, mental health and addictions administrator in the Oregon Department of Human Services. "Most would benefit from treatment and do not belong in jail."
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