Mentally Handicapped Offender

• NCJ Number: 98309
• Author(s): G McDonald
• Date Published: 1978
• Length: 0 pages
• Grant Number(s): 76-ED-06-0012
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice; US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Corporate Author: Sam Houston State University
• Sale Source: Not Available Through National Institute of Justice/NCJRS Document Loan Program; Sam Houston State University
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. Video cassette, parts 1 and 2, 1 hour 10 minutes running time, color, rental is available from sales source.

Annotation

This police training video cassette provides facts on mentally handicapped persons, distinguished by attributes of mental retardation (MR) and mental disturbance (MD), and instructs trainees in identifying MR and MD persons based on observed behavior as well as how to respond appropriately in incidents involving such persons.

Abstract

Facts on persons with MR and MD cover percentage in the general and incarcerated populations, causes, and distinguishing characteristics. The four classes of mental retardation -- mildly, moderately, severely, and profoundly -are described. Those having 'mild' retardation are indicated to be the greatest percentage of MR persons. Such persons are capable of holding regular jobs and living independently in the community. Dramatizations are used to test trainees on their ability to distinguish between MR and MD persons based on observed behavior. Dramatizations are also used to stimulate discussion about how officers should respond to incidents that involve MR and MD persons. The intent of the training is to prepare officers to identify MD and MR persons and manage them according to their needs and limitations.