Mensen met een licht verstandelijke beperking in aanraking met politie en justitie

There are many situations in which people with a learning disability encounter law enforcement. Early recognition of their learning disability by police and justice authorities is necessary to ensure an appropriate manner of communication and handling that takes into account their limitations and abilities. Yet, without special knowledge, it is not easy to recognize the learning disability, especially if the limitations of the disability are mild. Diagnosing a learning disability requires taking into account several aspects, and a simply determination of the IQ is definitely insufficient. This article deals with the specific characteristics of people with a learning disability in their contacts with the police and the justice system. Furthermore recommendations are given as to how to interrogate them in a respectful and correct way.