THE ADULT MENTALLY RETARDED CRIMINAL OFFENDER IN MARYLAND'S PRISON SYSTEM

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine critical issues surrounding the mentally retarded criminal offender. There is an abundant amount of literature in regards to penology and corrections, and an equal amount concerning the subject of mental retardation, but few authors have been willing to discuss the mentally retarded offender. The thrust of this paper is directed at this objective. In August 1977, Miles Santamour and Bernadette West, co-authored a conclusive report on the mentally retarded offender. They determined that the retarded offender had unique needs which often were not met by the correctional system. Studies are cited in this report indicating that 10 percent of the inmate population have intelligent quotients 70 or below and can be classified as mentally retarded. Some state prison systems have placed this figure as high as 28 percent. When one considers the modern correctional concept of rehabilitation, these figures become even more significant. Characteristics of the retarded population indicate that they frequently have difficulty grasping prison routines and are more readily victimized by their counterparts of average intelligence. More important, it is doubtful that this individual will benefit from existing rehabilitative programs within the correctional setting. Additional research is necessary in ascertaining the needs so that the retarded offender might be more appropriately treated and programmed during his incarceration. As a Correctional Officer employed by the Maryland Division of Correction, it was the concern of this writer to examine the situation of the mentally retarded offender incarcerated in Maryland's prisons. The hypothesis offered in this paper consists of three major premises. First, that the Maryland Correction fails to identify the mentally offender. Second, this individual exists Division of retarded in sub-numbers to warrant an investigation, and that the retarded offender cannot from present rehabilitative efforts due to mental impairment. A literature research, benefit his evaluation of inmate data, inspection of state correctional facilities and staff interviews were employed in examining the issues surrounding the retarded offender. The cooperation encountered with professionals throughout the. Division of Correction and the Mental Retardation Administration during this study was, for the most part, satisfactory. This writer is greatly indebted to D Kenneth Kerle, advisor to the Washington County Sheriff's Department and to Dr. Dana Hunt, Sociology professor at Hood College. Both offered continuing support for this project. Their advice and assistance, irregardless, the time of day, was immeasurable and a contributing factor to the completion of this paper.