>> reporter: the problem started in the '60s with deinstitutionalization and closing mental hospitals with no places for sick people to go. they turn to the street and often for jail. >> over the last few decades it has grown to where the jails have become the defacto mental health institutions. >> reporter: the crimes are usually non-violent, trespassing, stealing food. zick people self-medicate and steal to take drugs. >> you have to break the pattern. >> reporter: the staff at cook county often sees the same person dozens times. >> when you get arrested is there a part of you relieved? >> in some sense. because i know i will get my medication. >> reporter: there are some legislative efforts, nothing revolutionary. the national liance for mental illness says the nation spends $9 billion annually warehousing mentally ill people in county jails. jenna? jenna: great story for us today, mike and one we'll continue to watch. thank you. jon: there is trouble at the top in north korea. kim jong-un kicks out his own uncle from a leadership role as