Lecture on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Criminal Justice

Introduction to TBI

• Definition: TBI is a disruption in brain function due to an external blow to the head.
• Common Association: Often linked with sports and professional athletes.
• Research: Speaker researches TBI in retired and college athletes.
• Public Awareness: Growing awareness of TBI risks in athletes.

TBI in Criminal Justice System

• Vulnerable Group: Inmates and probationers are significantly affected by TBI.
• Statistics:
  • 50 to 80% of people in criminal justice have TBI.
  • Less than 5% of the general public has TBI.
• Women in Criminal Justice:
  • Almost all exposed to interpersonal violence and abuse.
  • Over 50% exposed to repeated brain injuries.

Impact of TBI

• Cognitive Impairments: Poor judgment, poor impulse control.
• Cycle of Reoffending: TBI contributes to repeated incarcerations.
• Challenges: Inmates often feel out of control and frustrated.

Colorado Program to Address TBI in Criminal Justice

• Objective: Disrupt the cycle of reoffending by addressing TBI.
• Collaboration: Works with state and local partners.
• Assessment: Neuropsychological screenings to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Reports:
  • One for the system with management recommendations.
  • One for inmates with self-management suggestions.

Approach and Philosophy

• Responsibility: Does not excuse behavior, aims to change perceptions.
• Perspective Shift: From seeing behavior as defiance to seeing it as a deficit.

Success Stories

• Inmate Support: Inmates seek advice on managing TBI.
• Examples:
  • Vinny: Uses reminders and checklists, out of jail for two years.
  • Thomas: Uses a calendar and takes breaks, avoids contempt charges.

Judicial Support

• Judge Brian Bowen: Advocates for understanding defendants' challenges.
• Categories of Defendants:
  • Defendants who are feared.
  • Defendants who are frustrating due to missed commitments.

Case Study: Mike

• Veteran: Had a history of severe injury and compliance issues.
• Support Provided: Maps, checklists, vocational rehabilitation.
• Outcome: Returned to work, graduated from Veterans Court.

Conclusion

• Prevalence: TBI is prevalent in the criminal justice system.
• Transformation: Program changes perceptions and offers accommodations.
• Resilience and Responsibility: Highlighted through examples of transformation.
• Community Perception: Encourages society to see affected individuals differently.