Statement From Mark James on
Role of the MSHP in Dept. of Mental Health Deaths
“The Highway Patrol is in full support of the
governor's vision to ensure client safety in state facilities as a
member of the Governor's Task Force. They will unequivocally provide
full support to the Department of Mental Health and will provide any
assistance needed when there is evidence that a crime has occurred
in a mental health facility.
“The Department of Mental Health will notify the
Highway Patrol of all deaths at mental health facilities and the patrol
will conduct an investigation whenever appropriate. Both the Departments
of Social Services and Health and Senior Services have statutory authority
and investigative staffs to review such deaths depending on the age
of the deceased.
“The investigative personnel of the Departments
of Mental Health, Social Services and Health and Senior Services will
report all suspicious deaths and assaults to the criminal investigators
of the Highway Patrol who will provide assistance in conducting a
criminal investigation utilizing the full resources of the patrol
to include its forensic crime lab and polygraphists.
“The Highway Patrol is well resourced to handle
these criminal investigations but not "inspector general"
type reviews of processes and procedures.
“Additionally, the Missouri Information Analysis
Center (MIAC) staffed by the Highway Patrol Intelligence Section will
provide analytical support for all deaths occurring in state facilities
to look for trends, patterns and anomalies worthy of further criminal
investigation by the patrol.
“The Department of Social Service will review
the circumstances of the deaths of children under the age of 18 while
the Department of Health and Senior Services will review the deaths
of those 18 and older occurring in habilitation centers.”