The review examines existing research in this area and discusses the association of TBI with age of incarceration, increased risk of violence and a higher number of convictions. The interaction with other factors such as history of abuse, neglect, trauma, and existing mental health and drug and alcohol problems are also discussed.
A large number of previously published studies are cited, including studies that found 60% of male offenders were reported to have experienced a head injury among both youth and adult offenders. Other cited studies report that1 to 2 of every 10 people in custody have a complicated mild, moderate or severe head injury, while 3 to 4 of every 10 people have a milder TBI.
The review calls for better schemes to assess and manage offenders with TBI, as many are placed in facilities that do not provide adequate support for their needs.
Further, better access to neurorehabilitation and improved links between services such as emergency departments, GPs and community mental health services, are suggested to reduce the risk of crime following TBI.
Screening measures are also recommended so that offenders with a history of TBI are identified early on and offered treatment accordingly.
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, agrees with the recommendations made. He said, “The vast majority of people who sustain a brain injury will not be involved with the criminal justice system. However, some of the effects of brain injury, such as memory loss, increased impulsivity, anger, and reduced inhibition can lead people into difficulty with the law and evidence suggests over representation of brain injury in offender populations.
“It is vital that we better indentify brain injury at the earliest possible stage in the criminal justice system. This will help to ensure that survivors receive appropriate rehabilitation and support, which in turn may reduce re-offending rates.”
“Headway’s own Justice Project calls for better screening of prisoners, while raising awareness of brain injury throughout the criminal justice system. At the heart of the project is the Headway Brain Injury Identity Card, which is endorsed by the National Police Chiefs Council and is designed to help police officers and staff more easily identify brain injury survivors.”
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