‘Vast problem’ of low IQ prison inmates revealed

Feb 16 2007 by Caroline Innes, Liverpool Daily Post

PRISONERS in Liverpool are among nearly 6,000 inmates found to have low IQs or learning disabilities, a new study has revealed.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool say the findings from their study at Liverpool men’s prison, Styal women’s prison in Cheshire, and at the joint prison and institution in Hindley, near Wigan, indicated a “vast hidden problem”.

Prison Reform Trust director Juliet Lyon said the research raised important questions as to whether those behind bars would have ended up there if they had been given more learning support through their education.

She also called for more to be done to identify learning difficulties at a younger age so strategies could be put in place to support people suffering with conditions such as dyslexia. “This research reveals for the first time that high numbers of people with learning disabilities and difficulties are held behind bars,” she said.

“It raises important questions about how they got caught up in the criminal justice system in the first place and whether those responsible for special education, social care and family support could have done more to prevent this.

“As things stand men, women and children with learning difficulties and learning disabilities in the criminal justice system are dropped in a maze with no exit, left to wander between police station, court and prison.”

Author of the study, Liverpool University’s Dr Pat Mottram, said: “Overall, our findings show that the average IQ of the prison population is 13 below the national average of 100.

“A sizeable minority has a very low IQ indeed and learning difficulties.

“Many will struggle to make sense of their experience of imprisonment.