KING 5: Report: More help needed for mentally ill in WA

SEATTLE – A lack of communication among health professionals and police in Washington is one problem that allows some violent mentally ill offenders to wander the streets.

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer says that’s part of the findings of a task force formed after Shannon Harps was stabbed to death last New Year’s Eve in Seattle. A man with a history of mental illness is now facing a murder charge.

The task force was convened by the King County prosecutor’s office and state Department of Corrections.

King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg is presenting the report Friday to a state Senate Committee in Olympia.

Satterberg says there’s a lack of psychiatric facilities where the violent mentally ill can be treated or committed.

Original story: http://www.king5.com/news/local/59758657.html