Las Vegas residents raise concerns over planned ‘maximum-security’ mental health facility for inmates
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) — Residents of the Las Vegas Valley remain worried about plans to expand a “high-security facility” designed for prisoners suffering from mental health issues.
The proposed “Southern Nevada Forensic Facility” will be a “maximum-security institution designed for mentally disordered criminal offenders.”
based on the capital improvement program suggested by the Governor.
The proposed facility would have a price tag of $381 million and would be located on the grounds of the Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services (SNAMHS) campus at the intersection of Charleston Boulevard and Jones Boulevard.
The
Muri Stein Hospital
Situated within the campus, this facility caters to “forensic” patients—prisoners requiring mental health services who can’t be housed with the regular inmate populace. Last year, FOX5 had an exclusive look inside the center where physicians highlighted that these individuals require essential psychiatric treatment and medication to regain their competence.
As stated by authorities from the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, there are presently 151 patients at the SNAMHS campus. The proposed facility aims to house up to 298 patients.
A joint online and in-person petition
has garnered more than a thousand signatures from residents in the area, calling for a pause on the project. The petition also
calls to halt construction of the planned Campus for Hope
on dozens of acres at the site.
Residents provided testimony in person and via telephone at the
Combined Session of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Committee on Finance
expressing reservations about the authorization of the project.
There hasn’t been enough transparency regarding this project; calling it a forensic facility doesn’t reveal its true nature,” stated an alarmed local citizen. The project actually entails establishing a psychiatric unit for dangerous criminals with prior convictions. This individual urged legislators to carefully assess how such a facility might affect their neighborhood.
“Escape from this institution is a serious issue and far beyond mere speculation. No prison exists without experiencing at least one breakout,” stated resident John Rando via telephone.
Some residents requested traffic and congestion analyses to examine how the development would affect the neighborhood. Others questioned whether an alternate location had been contemplated instead.
“If we fail to receive responses on all these matters, I believe our community will be left with no option except to pursue legal avenues to prevent this facility from proceeding,” stated Jim Root, who organized the petition.
The budget papers outline the urgent requirement for additional facilities for “forensic” prisoners throughout the state.
At present, approximately 130 people are awaiting services in Nevada with an average wait time of 2-3 months. Facilities offering these services, such as Lake’s Crossing and Stein Hospital, are operating at full or overcapacity. Additionally, the Department of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) faces ongoing daily penalties from the 8th Judicial District Court due to their failure to fulfill legal responsibilities. More alarmingly, cases are being dropped, leading to individuals being freed without undergoing judicial proceedings, as stated in the Capital Improvement Recommendations.
According to state authorities, construction is slated to start in August 2026 and conclude with the opening in August 2029.
A representative from the organization sent an email to FOX5 stating their views on safety issues, security measures, and the necessity for expanding the facilities.
The forensic facility managed by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) has been operational at the Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services (SNAMHS) site since 2015. During this period, DPBH has made significant efforts to maintain positive relations within the community and intends to keep doing so.
DPBH will maintain high-quality services along with safety and security. The new forensic building will replace a building that is inadequate for the purpose and allow Nevada to meet the demand for this level of service.
The Southern Nevada Forensic Hospital is designed to be a locked, secure inpatient psychiatric hospital specifically built for the forensic population. It will offer therapeutic and clinical care for those involved in the justice system in a secure environment. In addition, DPBH employs specially trained peace officers to provide 24-hour security. The facility is specifically built for this purpose and DPBH takes the safety and security of the inpatient individuals and the community very seriously.”