Intellectual disabilities and offending behaviour: the awareness and concerns of the police, district attorneys and judges. Issue 2 (8th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Søndenaa, Erik; Olsen, Terje; Kermit, Patrick Stefan; Dahl, Nina Christine; Envik, Robert
• Is Part Of: Journal of intellectual disabilities and offending behaviour. Volume 10:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 34
• Page End: 42
• Publication Date: 2019-08-08
• Subjects: Awareness -- Intellectual disability -- Police -- Criminal justice system -- Detection -- Judges; Offenders with mental disabilities -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; People with mental disabilities and crime -- Periodicals; Learning disabilities -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 364.38
• DOI: 10.1108/JIDOB-04-2019-0007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-8824

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the awareness of intellectual disabilities (ID) amongst professionals in the criminal justice system (CJS) and their knowledge of those persons, either as victims, witnesses, suspects, accused or defendants. Design/methodology/approach: A survey of the professionals in the CJS ( n =388), combined with a series of focus group interviews with experienced professionals ( n =20), was conducted. Findings: One out of three respondents (police, district attorneys and judges) reported that they have regular contact with suspects who have an ID. Differences in knowledge of ID amongst professionals in the CJS can explain awareness and detection of persons with ID. Research limitations/implications: Non-responders may represent professionals with no knowledge or less interest in these issues. Originality/value: Reflections on ID have not previously been studied in the Norwegian CJS. The findings serve as a basis and status quo for further research.