Crime Prevention

Criminal activity has always sought to remain hidden from law enforcement. Traditionally, this often meant committing crimes at night, without witnesses, or finding physical ways to disguise or confuse the offender’s identity (e.g. masks, attire, speed). Online environments present new opportunities for criminals, as physical contact is reduced and more daily activity (particularly financial) takes place on the internet. Even then, there is a specific portion of the internet in which there has been significant criminal enterprise—the Dark Web.

People with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) are an often overlooked population in the criminal justice system because of a lack of identification and understanding and service gaps that prevent providers’ abilities to address their needs. At the same time, they are also often victimized by people without I/DD, which can sometimes lead to sustained involvement with the criminal justice system.