About the Program
The Arc of Dallas created the Criminal Justice Information
Initiative through a grant from the Texas Governor's Office,
Criminal Justice Division. This program trains justice professional
about people with mental retardation. Training is also provided
to people with mental retardation about interacting with
the Justice System. For more information, call the Justice
Information Line at (214) 634-2576. Lilli Hallam is the
Director of the Justice Information Initiative.
E-mail her at lhallam@arcdallas.org.
The Need for the Program
People with mental retardation:
- Are sometimes unable to understand Miranda and other
warnings.
- Will waive their rights due to a lack of understanding.
- May give inaccurate confessions caused by confusion
and a desire to please.
- If found incompetent to stand trial, can spend an
indefinite length of time in a state school.
- Are often unable to assist in their own defense if
found competent to proceed.
- Are not offered ADA accommodations by authorities since
they are not identified as having a disability.
- Compound the problem by attempting to hide their condition
due to a stigma.
- Have communication difficulties that sometimes appear
as disrespectful, disruptive or damaging to their credibility.
Finding Solutions
The Criminal Justice Information Initiative offers these
solutions:
- Host symposiums to share and gather information from
community representatives.
- Train criminal justice professionals to have a clear
understanding of mental retardation and available services.
- Train family members and individuals with disabilities
to have a clear understanding of rights and responsibilities
and to interact effectively with the justice system.
- Offer information through an information phone line
staffed during business hours at The Arc of Dallas.
(214) 634-2576
How CJI Training Benefits Individuals with
Disabilities
- Victims can get recovery services/support.
- Witnesses are able to exercise their participation
rights.
- Suspects are not as agitated, frightened or combative.
- Individuals better understand their rights and can
act accordingly.
- People will be less likely to be unjustly charged
with a crime.
How CJI Training Benefits Justice Professionals
- Courtroom incidents decline rather than escalate.
- Accommodations are made for probation conditions.
- Justice offices and agencies are less at risk for
ADA/civil rights suits.
How CJI Benefits Society
- Offenders aren't as likely to escape detection and
remain free to re-offend.
- Innocent people with mental retardation
are less likely to be convicted.
- Education about disability increases judicial efficiency
and decreases the number of people in jails and therefore
decreases costs to taxpayers.
Useful handouts:
Alternate Miranda Reading
| Respectful Language
| Justice
Information Inititative flyer
Abridgement
from Perske's UNEQUAL JUSTICE
|
