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Locus of control in offenders and alleged offenders with learning disabilities
- Authors:
- GOODMAN Wendy, LEGGETT Janice, GARRETT Tanya
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 35(3), September 2007, pp.192-197.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Locus of control can be a useful measure of treatment outcome in offenders from the general population. However, there is little information regarding locus of control and offenders with learning disabilities. Existing measures of locus of control use complex language and abstract ideas that may not be accessible to individuals in this group. A new 20-item measure, using written statements and cartoons, was developed. The tool was then used to compare locus of control in offenders and alleged offenders (n = 41) and non-offenders (n = 61) with learning disabilities. A significant relationship was found between locus of control and offender status if the offender was convicted (n = 22). Where there was offending behaviour but no conviction (n = 19), there was no significant difference between this group and the non-offender sample. Convicted offenders with intellectual disabilities appear more likely to have a greater external locus of control than alleged or non-offenders. The new locus of control scale may be a useful measure of treatment outcome in offenders with learning disabilities.
People with learning disabilities’ experiences of being interviewed by the police
- Authors:
- LEGGETT Janice, GOODMAN Wendy, DINANI Shamim
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 35(3), September 2007, pp.168-173.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This article describes a small qualitative study investigating the experiences of people with learning disabilities who have been interviewed by the police, including their views on Appropriate Adults (AAs). Of concern, but consistent with other research in this area, a significant proportion of this, albeit small, group were not afforded the safeguard of an AA, as required under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE). Those that did have an AA present during the interview often found it to be a negative experience, either because of lack of input by the AA, or the perceived provision of an inappropriate person to act as AA. The participants were able to identify characteristics of preferred AAs. The main qualities required were that the person was known to them and was trusted. The interviewees could identify some positive factors in the interviews they underwent, but also drew attention to aspects which they found aversive, such as the style of questioning of the police. There was some focus on issues which may be considered trivial (such as the quality of the refreshments provided) indicating a tendency on their part to underestimate the seriousness of the situation. The potential vulnerability of this group of people is highlighted as well as the useful contribution they can make to the debate concerning the provision of AA services.