NCJ Number
137969
Journal
American Jails Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: (May-June 1992) Pages: 31-32,34
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Correctional officers rarely receive the training necessary to identify and communicate successfully with inmates who have a developmental disability. As a result, many inmates who are perceived as troublemakers may actually be functionally handicapped.
Abstract
There are three principle categories of developmentally disabled inmates: mildly mentally retarded, emotionally disturbed, and learning disabled. If correctional officers are not trained to deal with this population properly, these inmates can become involved in unusual incidents as the officers fail to realize that they cannot react or function normally. The Effectively Communicating With Handicapped Offenders (ECHO) program features a curriculum consisting of eight training modules. The modules cover the physical and behavioral characteristics of the various types of developmental disabilities and techniques for working with these individuals. The ECHO program can help officers recognize handicapped inmates and more effectively manage officer-inmate interactions.