"For years, the criminal justice system has been the default for dealing with behavioral and mental health issues, but that approach alone does not best serve public health or public safety," the city's administration quoted de Blasio as saying on the official website Tuesday.
The plan will receive some $130 million in investment, $40 million will come from Manhattan's district attorney to insure public safety and improving the justice system.
According to de Blasio, the plan will mean "not only safer streets, but stronger neighborhoods and healthier people."
Over the last 20 years, New York City has experienced a significant drop in crime, and has substantially reduced the number of inmates in prison facilities, according to the city administration. However, the proportion of inmates with mental health problems in relation to the total number of incarcerated has increased.