In Indianapolis, Marion County public defenders and the prosecutor’s office have begun steering people arrested at local hospitals into a diversion program rather than sending them to jail. The effort, known as the Quality of Life program, targets low‑level misdemeanors such as disorderly conduct, trespassing and resisting law enforcement that often stem from mental‑health crises or substance‑abuse issues.
Why the program matters
Kendal Gulbrandsen, the lawyer who oversees the misdemeanor division at the Marion County Public Defender Agency, explained that hospital officers frequently request immediate removal of patients, leading to arrests that burden taxpayers and jeopardize the health of vulnerable individuals. “The vast majority of these cases are driven by mental health or substance abuse,” Gulbrandsen said.
Under the Quality of Life program, eligible participants who secure housing or complete treatment can have their criminal charges dismissed. Eligibility is determined by factors such as criminal history, personal circumstances and needs, according to Michael Leffler, a spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office.
Hospital police practices under scrutiny
Mirror Indy’s investigation found that non‑violent offenses tied to mental illness are prompting arrests at Indianapolis’s four major hospital systems—Eskenazi Health, IU Health, Ascension St. Vincent and Community Health Network. Hospital police officers reportedly make an arrest every two to three days at Eskenazi Health alone.
While hospital leaders argue that police are needed to protect staff from rising workplace violence, the diversion program offers an alternative that could improve safety for nurses and doctors without resorting to incarceration. “It could make nurses safer,” Gulbrandsen said. “If people are getting treatment or stable housing, they won’t be showing up at the hospital again, or they’ll be in a better state of mind.”
Sheriff’s support and political backdrop
Sheriff Kerry Forestal, who is running for state representative, praised the program, stating that it connects individuals experiencing mental illness with the treatment they need. Forestal previously criticized hospital police for “putting hands” on vulnerable patients instead of directing them to care.
The sheriff’s office has also ended its partnership with Eskenazi Health’s independent police force, signaling a shift toward community‑based solutions rather than punitive measures.
Transparency gaps and future steps
None of the hospitals publicly track arrests on their campuses, and private hospital police forces are not subject to state public‑records laws, creating a transparency gap. After the Mirror Indy investigation, the public defender’s office began independently tracking hospital arrests to better understand the scope of the problem.
Public defenders note that jail time can exacerbate mental‑health conditions and increase the risk of losing housing or social‑service benefits. “It’s very expensive to house people in jail,” Gulbrandsen said, noting that Indianapolis taxpayers spend about $85 per day per inmate.
Experts say that body‑camera policies vary among hospital police departments, with some citing patient‑privacy concerns as a reason for limited use. The lack of video evidence often leaves the public defender’s word against that of officers.
Looking ahead
Advocates hope the Quality of Life program will expand, offering a humane alternative that respects individual liberty, supports families, and aligns with Christian values of compassion. By diverting low‑level offenders to treatment and stable housing, Indianapolis aims to reduce jail costs, protect vulnerable citizens, and keep hospitals focused on healing rather than policing.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
