Harris County jail data shows high rates of mental health indicators

Data from the Harris County jail dashboard indicates that 77% of the jail population has a mental health indicator, such as depression, anxiety, suicide attempts, or psychosis. Additionally, 17% of the population is unhoused.

Recent violent crimes have raised questions regarding the county’s management of individuals with serious mental health needs. Joshua McDaniel, who is accused of attacking four people along State Highway 249 within a 24-hour period, has a decade-long history of various charges. While court records showed McDaniel was referred to a mental health program, the District Attorney’s office stated he was sent there to prevent him from being released onto the streets rather than for intensive treatment, noting the center could not provide the level of care he required.

In a separate incident, an unhoused man with a history of violent crime allegedly attacked a 74-year-old in the Medical Center. The victim reported the suspect appeared to be talking to himself during the assault.