In this study, the researchers at the University of Exeter aimed to establish the rate of TBI of various severities in a representative sample of adult offenders and patterns of custody associated with TBI.
A self-report survey was distributed to adult male offenders within a prison. Of 453 offenders, 196 (43%) responded.
Over 60% reported 'head injuries'. Reports consistent with TBI of various severities were given by 65%. Of the overall sample, 16% had experienced moderate-to-severe TBI and 48% mild TBI. Adults with TBI were younger at entry into custodial systems and reported higher rates of repeat offending. They also reported greater time, in the past 5 years, spent in prison.
These findings indicate that there is a need to account for TBI in the assessment and management of offenders.
Reference
Wiliams, W. H., Mewse, A., Tonks, J., Mills, S., Burgess, C. & Cordan, G. (2010) Traumatic brain injury in a prison population: Prevalence and risk for re-offending. Brain Injury, 24 (10) 1184 - 1188. (Available from http://informahealthcare.com/loi/bij)
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