ERIC Number: EJ774548
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Sep
Pages: 6
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1354-4187
EISSN: N/A
People with Learning Disabilities' Experiences of Being Interviewed by the Police
Leggett, Janice; Goodman, Wendy; Dinani, Shamim
British Journal of Learning Disabilities, v35 n3 p168-173 Sep 2007
This article describes a small qualitative study investigating the experiences of people with learning disabilities who have been interviewed by the police, including their views on Appropriate Adults (AAs). Of concern, but consistent with other research in this area, a significant proportion of this, albeit small, group were not afforded the safeguard of an AA, as required under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE). Those that did have an AA present during the interview often found it to be a negative experience, either because of lack of input by the AA, or the perceived provision of an inappropriate person to act as AA. The participants were able to identify characteristics of preferred AAs. The main qualities required were that the person was known to them and was trusted. The interviewees could identify some positive factors in the interviews they underwent, but also drew attention to aspects which they found aversive, such as the style of questioning of the police. There was some focus on issues which may be considered trivial (such as the quality of the refreshments provided) indicating a tendency on their part to underestimate the seriousness of the situation. The potential vulnerability of this group of people is highlighted as well as the useful contribution they can make to the debate concerning the provision of AA services.
Descriptors: Mental Retardation, Learning Disabilities, Police, Law Enforcement, Interviews, Trust (Psychology), Questioning Techniques, Federal Legislation
Blackwell Publishing. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8599; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: customerservices@blackwellpublishing.com; Web site: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/jnl_default.asp
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A