Improving Communication/ Participation for People with Autism in Police Custody

It is estimated that 20-30% of all offenders in the UK have learning difficulties or learning disabilities [LD] that interfere with their ability to cope within the Criminal Justice System (CJS) (Jacobson, 2008). These... [ view full abstract ]

It is estimated that 20-30% of all offenders in the UK have learning difficulties or learning disabilities [LD] that interfere with their ability to cope within the Criminal Justice System (CJS) (Jacobson, 2008). These individuals are often described as being particularly vulnerable within the CJS due to cognitive difficulties relating to understanding non-literal language and interpreting the intentions of other people.

The first point of contact for the majority of individuals within the CJS, is in police custody and it is in this environment that the project has aimed to support individuals entering custody by creating accessible ‘rights and entitlements’ information sheet as well as a number of other custody information sheets presented in a simplified format using symbols.

Our academic research by the University of Southampton provided an evidence based rationale for the systems used. This was based on police officer’s from Hampshire Constabulary and individual’s feedback to ensure acceptability, feasibility and benefits of the above.

Interviews were also carried out with magistrates, solicitors, the Appropriate Adult Service, youth offending teams, people with autism and their families within the wider Hampshire area.

The response to the project has been positive; participants feel that the Widgit Easy Read Custody Sheets had benefits for explaining jargon to anyone coming into custody (not just those with autism). It enabled custody personnel to provide a professional and robust service, where individual needs are appropriately taken into account.

The Widgit Easy Read Custody Sheets are now being used by Hampshire Constabulary in all custody areas and consideration is being given to make this a national option for other Police Forces to deliver.