When 'containment' and 'protection' meet injury

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     INTERPERSONAL    :     SCIENCES               

HUMANISTIC --------------------------------------  MECHANISTIC      

SOCIOLOGY  :   POLITICAL 

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"MANUEL SUFFERED two serious brain injuries as a child in Denver, Colorado." p.54.

The function of the skull is . . ? "Brain injuries affect about 8.5% of the general population but rates among prisoners are far higher. Kim Gorgens, a neuropsychologist at the University of Denver, reckons that between 50% and 80% of prisoners and those on parole in America have brain injuries. A review of research in America, Australia and Europe suggests that the average reported rate is around 46%. Research conducted in 2010 by Huw Williams of the University of Exeter put the rate among men in British prisons at 65%. A study published in 2017 found that nearly half of all prisoners in New Zealand had been hospitalised for a traumatic brain injury before committing their crime. Researchers suspect that the numbers may be even higher in poorer countries because road-traffic accidents and violence are generally more common." p.54.

"A report in 2016 by the Centre for Mental Health estimated that in Britain the cost of traumaic brain injury in a 15-year old who goes on to offend is around £345,000 ($475,000). The cost to those affected and society more widely - is incalcuable." p.55.

The function of prison is . . ? "They are more troublesome while in prison and more likely to reoffend on release. This is especially true for those, like Manuel, who are injured as children." p.54. "Acknowledging the link between brain injuries and criminal behaviour is not to excuse lawbreaking. Most people with such injuries are capable of taking responsibility for their actions. However, it is easier to curb crime if you understand the factors that make it more likely, of which neurodisabilities are an important and neglected one." p.13.

Banged up. International, The Economist, March 27th 2021. pp.54-55;
And: Leaders. Knocked out and locked up. 438:9238, p.13.

See also:

UK Prisons Strategy White Paper

Headway: Brain injury and the criminal justice system