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Evaluated were 1,666 juvenile imates committed to the Texas Youth Council. The study was part of Project CAMIO, a Texas effort to determine the incidence of criminal incarceration of the mentally retarded (MR) and to identify laws, procedures, and practices which affect the prosecution and imprisonment of the MR offender. Information was gathered on intelligence, age, race, sex, drug and alcohol history, prior delinquency record, and current commitment information. Findings indicated that approximately 12.9% of the males and 16.6% of the females were retarded (compared to a 3% incidence in the general population). More MR than non-MR inmates were from minority groups, had poorer school attendance records, came from financilly impoverished families, and came from large families. MR offenders were less likely to have a history of drug and alcohol use than non-MR offenders. MR offenders were granted probation significantly less frequently than non-MR offenders. Current commitment offense was less likely to have involved codefendants with MR offenders than with non-MR offenders. Additionally, the investigation revealed that one out of seven retarded youths were improperly committed, since there is a Texas law prohibiting incarceration of MR juveniles within Youth Council facilities. (DB)

Studied was the relationship of the mentally retarded (MR) and the juvenile court through an attempt to determine the incidence of MR juveniles adjudicated by the juvenile court in one metropolitan county in Texas, to determine the attitude of juvenile probation officers toward the MR delinquent, and to determine the availability of community resources for the care of MR delinquents. Intelligence tests administered to all (48) juveniles adjudicated during a 4-month period revealed that the incidence of MR was about five times higher than in the general population. The MR juveniles tended to come from poorer homes, to have been first arrested at an earlier age, but arrested fewer times than the non-MR juveniles. After one year on probation 2/3 of the MR juveniles compared to 1/2 of the non-MR juveniles, were committed to state training schools. Juvenile probation officers queried appeared to view the prognosis for the MR delinquent as poor, to be unfamiliar with mental retardation, and to view state residential facilities for the retarded as of little assistance to the court. The officers indicated the most significant problems were the lack of community resources and the uncooperative attitudes of parents. Interviews with directors of community based programs showed that directors of agencies for the MR were reluctant to extend services to the delinquent and that directors of agencies dealing with delinquents were reluctant to extend services to the retarded. (DB)

Evaluated were 500 male inmates admitted to the Texas Department of Corrections over a 2-month period. The study was part of Project CAMIO (Correctional Administration and the Mentally Incompetent Offender), a Texas study to determine the incidence of criminal incarceration of the mentally retarded (MR) and to identify laws, procedures, and practices which affect the prosecution and incarceration of the MR offender. Evaluation of the inmates was undertaken to determine the incidence of MR individuals committed to the Department of Corrections and to determine the relationship between intelligence and aspects of the social and criminal histories of MR offenders. Administered were five intelligence tests and two tests of educational achievement. The MR incidence among Ss was found to be approximately 10% (more than three times the rate within the general population). Evaluation of background characteristics indicated that MR inmates tended to be older, to have no military service, and to be members of minority groups. The non-retarded inmate was more likely to have been granted probation as a juvenile offender or as a previous adult offender, MR and non-MR offenders tended to have similar criminal records, though MR offenders were more likely to have been convicted of crimes of rape and burglary. Findings indicated the most significant difference between MR and non-MR inmates to be in the more frequent granting of probation to the non-MR. (DB)

Surveyed were the correctional systems of 45 states and the District of Columbia to assess the levels of diagnosis and treatment of mentally retarded (MR) offenders in correctional institutions as part of Project CAMIO (Correctional Administration and the Mentally Incompetent Offender), a Texas study to determine the incidence of criminal incarceration of the MR and to identify laws, procedures, and practices which affect the prosecution and imprisonment of the MR offender. Findings indicated that approximately 90% of correctional systems employed psychometric means to determine the intelligence level of prisoners, that approximately 4% of prisoners were identified as MR persons, and that 10% of state systems did not provide any form of special treatment of MR offenders. Findings showed improved treatment for MR offenders over the last ten years and suggested that a court decision ordering state correctional systems to either provide appropriate treatment or release the MR offender would have less impact than in years past. (DB)

Reviewed are statutory and case laws affecting arrest, prosecution, and treatment of the mentally retarded (MR) offender as part of Project CAMIO, (Correctional Administration and the Mentally Incompetent Offender), a Texas study to determine the incidence of criminal incarceration of the MR and to identify laws, procedures, and practices which adversely affect the prosecution and imprisonment of the MR offender. It is concluded that the proper handling of the MR offender requires the amendment or elimination of laws dealing with the defendant's competency to stand trial and the use of insanity as a defense in a criminal prosecution. Noted is effective commitment without right to bail during the mental examination period, the indeterminate or lifetime commitment without a finding of guilt for MR offenders, and a disparity between commitment and release procedures which serves no legal or therapeutic purposes. Issues are discussed in terms of incompetency laws, treatment of MR persons found incompetent, procedural problems such as the psychiatric examination and the incompetency hearing, and MR and criminal responsibility. Explained are 12 recommendations such as termination of the automatic commitment of defendants who require a competency examination and the prosecution's obligation to prove the MR individual's potential danger to society or himself prior to commitment due to incompetency. (DB)

Evaluated were 430 new juvenile and adult admissions to a state residential facility for the mentally retarded (MR). The study was part of Project CAMIO (Correctional Administration and the Mentally Incompetent Offender), a Texas effort to determine the incidence of criminal incarceration of the MR and to identify laws, procedures, and practices which affect the prosecution and imprisonment of the MR offender. Investigated were the incidence of Ss' prior involvement with the criminal justice system and the incidence of anti-social behaviors while at the institution. Most common antisocial behaviors identified were tantrums (one of every four individuals) and assaultive behaviors (one of every four juvenile males). Only 10% of the Ss had had any prior contact with the criminal justice system. Results suggested that the high incidence of anti-social behaviors among residents requires the development of specialized programs within institutions for the retarded and that MR delinquents are more likely to be committed to state correctional institutions than to state facilities for the MR. (DB)

This historical review of theories on criminality and mental retardation is part of Project CAMIO (Correctional Administration and the Mentally Incompetent Offender), a Texas study to determine the incidence of criminal incarceration of the mentally retarded (MR) and to identify laws, procedures, and practices which affect the prosecution and imprisonment of the MR offender. The review indicates that prior to the 19th century there was little effort to discriminate between the MR individual and the criminal offender, that early studies suggesting that MR predisposes a person to criminal acts have been replaced by evidence that the high percentage of MR individuals in the criminal justice system is due to administrative and legal factors, that advances in testing techniques and causal theories have led to correctional programs concerned with multivariate causes, that current correctional treatment sees the offender as a unique individual, that prejudicial attitudes toward the MR still exist within the criminal justice system, but that a growing philosophy concerning the right to treatment should facilitate the handling of the MR offender. The discussion examines MR from ancient times to the present and then reviews the relationship between MR and crime in terms of legalities, theories of MR and crime (such as religious, genetic, or environmental), and treatment of the defective offender. (DB)

The purpose of this study was to develop a manual on the Texas laws of arrest for use by state and local law enforcement officers. It is not intended to be a legal treatise, although pertinent statutes and court decisions are reviewed and suggestions made for legislative change. A brief history of the laws of arrest is presented, together with a review of the constitutional limitations on the power of the law enforcement officer. The study focuses on the following primary areas of concern: (1) definition, history and elements of arrest, (2) authority to make arrest, (3) constitutional limitations on the power to arrest, (4) arrest with warrant, (5) arrest without warrant, (6) ancillary arrest authority, (7) use of force, (8) immunity from arrest, (9) disposition procedures following arrest, and (10) problems relating to unlawful arrest. Existing "model" legislation is presented, including the Uniform Arrest Act and the Model State Statute on "Stop and Frisk." This document previously announced as ED 052 375. (Author/GEB)

This study provides an overview of the status of jails and inmate populations in Texas in order to identify and solve existing problems. Analysis of the distribution of inmates among the 325 jails indicates that Texas has too many local jails for its total inmate population. Most of the jails lack adequate medical, recreational, or educational facilities. Recommendations are included to regionalize misdemeanant corrections, with emphasis on inspection standards and legal considerations. A proposed plan for a "modular" regional detention facility includes provision for work release units, and education and technical/vocational modules. (BH)

To determine the effects of military service on subsequent criminal behavior, especially violent crimes, this study compared veteran and non-veteran felons incarcerated at the Texas Department of Corrections. Available programed data on inmates born since 1930 were supplemented by interview and questionnaire data on 200 veterans concerning military experience and offense committed. Although statistically significant differences were discovered in social, criminal history, and institutional characteristics of veteran and non-veteran felons, no important differences were found in the types of crime committed. The hypothesized relationship between military service and specific criminality was rejected. Further research was recommended to evaluate the potential of specialized rehabilitation for the ex-serviceman felon. (BH)

The purpose of this study was to comprehensively describe all aspects of the phenomenon known as "skyjacking." The latest statistics on airline hijacking are included, which were obtained through written correspondence and personal interviews with Federal Aviation Authority officials in Washington, D. C. and Houston, Texas. Legal and technical journals as well as government documents were reviewed, and on the basis of this review: (1) Both the national and international legal aspects of hijacking activities are provided, (2) The personality and emotional state of the skyjacker are examined, and (3) Prevention measures taken by both the government and the airline industry are discussed, including the sky marshal program, the pre-boarding screening process, and current developments in electronic detection devices. The human dimensions and diverse dangers involved in aircraft piracy are delineated. Specific hijacking attempts are enumerated, illustrated by means of case histories. Stages in the evolution of aircraft hijacking and specific suggestions for security measures are discussed, detailing background factors and concomitant problems. (Author)

This document is both a survey of inservice training practices for police officers in the State of Texas and a manual for use in the training and education of police officers. The survey indicates that continuous training for Texas peace officers is far from sufficient while the manual provides information on developing and improving inservice training programs. Specific chapters are: (1) Police Training in Texas, (2) Police Training and Education, (3) Planning Inservice Training, (4) Departmental Police Training, and (5) Conclusions and Recommendations. Supplemental data are appended. (JS)

Recent social unrest has widened the communications gap between police and community. Police-community relations programs are designed to establish a better relationship and understanding between police officers and the citizens. This requires coordination with schools and other community agencies in providing information on the goals and operation of the police department. First, however, police officers themselves must be convinced that such a program is part of their function and that any changes in the status quo will be positive. Also, the program must not compromise the autonomy of the police in enforcing the law, especially when special interest groups try to achieve preferential treatment. By overcoming these obstacles, a police-community relations program can result in a smoother relationship with the community, reduced crime rates, and a more professional police department with a better image in the community. (BH)

In attempting to determine the cost of probation and the cost of incarceration of adult felons in Texas, it was discovered that there were no comparative figures available. A search of the literature was conducted to determine the proper standards for probation caseload management and to identify problems associated with previous cost studies. In a comparison of physical and economic factors in Texas counties that have probation and those that do not, five relevant factors were determined: population, wages, taxable property, manufacturing value, and total income. The higher the statistics for any of the five factors, the more likely the county was to have probation. Different methods were used to determine the cost to the taxpayer for the operation of the prison system (direct costs) and the costs to the State associated with loss of the breadwinner (indirect costs). Using the California system as a model with some modification, the Texas model determined that, with the State assisting the counties initially, the cost per man per day for probation was 5.22 less than for incarceration. Recommendations for establishing a probation system for adult felons were based on that determination. (Pertinent statistical tables are included in the appendixes.) (AG)

Presented are the summary and recommendations of Project CAMIO (Correctional Administration and the Mentally Incompetent Offender), a Texas study to determine the incidence of criminal incarceration of the mentally retarded (MR) and to identify laws, procedures, and practices which affect the prosecution and incarceration of the MR offender. Noted is the study's investigation into seven areas of concern: a review of theories on criminality and MR, the legal status of the MR offender, incidence and characteristics of the MR in adult and juvenile correctional institutions, the delinquent in a state residential facility for the MR, juvenile court handling of the MR offender at the community level, and a national survey of the diagnosis and treatment of MR offenders in correctional institutions. Identified are assumptions of the study such as the lack of a causal relationship between MR and commission of criminal acts. Discussed are 31 recommendations in the areas of education and training, research and development, administrative and procedural changes, and cooperative agreements. An example of a recommendation is amendment of the Texas criminal code to allow all incompetent defendants to be eligible for release from confinement whenever they do not require confinement for protection of themselves or others. (DB)

The purpose of this study was to establish a population profile of the skid row alcoholic in Houston, Texas and also to compare his demographic and drinking patterns with those of similar groups described in earlier studies made in other cities. Primary data sources for the study were interviews with 100 skid row alcoholics and with police and court officials and other persons involved with the problem. Secondary data were researched from the literature and published statistics. Evaluation of the survey results indicated that the typical skid row alcoholic in Houston resembled his counterpart in other areas of the country. Life styles and histories in the subculture are detailed and a demographic profile of the typical alcoholic is derived. Sample questionnaires and tabulated data are appended. (MF)

This monograph presents the first study of Negro police officers in Texas, the need for them and factors surrounding their use. It was felt that the need for Negro police officers was more than symbolic, and recommended fair representation in the agency that regulates their everyday life. Minority officers can provide a special competence in dealing with minority groups, as well as in helping to reduce stereotyping and prejudice of both blacks and whites. A brief questionnaire was sent to each county sheriff and major city police department throughout the state, inquiring about their employment practices, number of white and black officers, and percentage of crime committed by Negroes in their jurisdictions. Survey results, tabulated and correlated, indicated a definite pattern to the likelihood of Negro police officers being employed according to the environment and size of a jurisdiction, its degree of urbanization. As expected, rural jurisdictions had made the least progress in integration. Some county sheriffs showed hostility toward the study. It was recommended that the proportion of Negroes employed in Texas law enforcement be increased, particularly in the rural areas where the need is greatest, through active recruitment efforts. Suggestions for modification of recruitment techniques and for reassessment of duty assignments are given. (MF)

This monograph examines prisoners' rights to freedom of speech, religion, and petition under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The courts had previously taken the attitude that the operation of penal institutions was beyond their jurisdiction, but the suppression of and restrictions on the exercise of first amendment freedoms by prisoners have received increasing judicial scrutiny during the past decade. The few successful petitions of the many submitted to the courts by prisoners have had an effect which extended far beyond their institutional origins. One reason for increased judicial concern about the rights of prisoners arose from the change in prison philosophy by correctional authorities from the concept of punishment and retribution to one of rehabilitation. To determine the state of case law as it pertains to the rights of prisoners under the first amendment rights guaranteed to all citizens, law libraries were researched and questionnaires sent to all 50 state departments of corrections and also to four federal correctional institutions. The purpose of the questionnaire was to compare the announced policies of the institutions with requirements of the court decisions. The form used is appended to the document. (MF)

The 12 papers in this collection are all concerned with various aspects of delinquency prevention, counseling, correction, and rehabilitation. Some of them had been presented at conferences, some pulled from other works. The first paper states that the pupil personnel worker should be the most important diagnostician and agent for change because he is there at the initial or pre-truancy stages of deviant behavior. The second argues for administrative changes to provide multiple social and community services in the ghettos on a round-the-clock basis, instead of extending such non-police roles to the police department. Other papers deal with counseling the public offender before, during, and after institutionalization. Two papers focus specifically on the narcotics problem. All of the authors write from a sociological background, some also from experience in criminology and police work. (MF)