Economics of Behavioral Health and Crime
This session includes three studies on the economics of behavioral health and crime. The studies contribute new information on the behavioral health determinants of criminal behavior, and unintended consequences of treatment programs and public policies. Specifically, these studies examine three timely and policy relevant questions: does the global war on terrorism have implications for domestic crime; how much does society benefit from providing mental health treatment to juvenile offenders; and how might drinker-drivers respond to public policies? Analysis of these outcomes is highly valuable given the clear negative external costs crime imposes on society. Paper 1 investigates the impact of combat exposure among military service persons on post-deployment crime in Colorado and provides little evidence that such exposure leads to crime. Paper 2 utilizes rich administrative data on a mental health treatment program for juvenile offenders. The paper documents that this program positively impacts educational attainment, an important social outcome that is not a primary focus of the treatment program. Paper 3 examines drinker-drivers’ behavioral response to seat-belt wearing following implementation of strict drunk driving laws. Results suggest that drinker-drivers are more likely to wear seatbelts following law implementation to avoid detection of their alcohol misuse by police. In addition to the three formal presentations delivered by the authors, a discussant is assigned to each paper and will describe study contributions, limitations, and extensions. Time will be allocated for audience questions. These studies offer rigorous, novel findings of interest to a broad audience, and are consistent with ASHEcon themes.