THE PROBLEMS OF THE MENTALLY RETARDED OFFENDER ARE DISCUSSED. THE STUDIES, BASED ON INTERVIEWS AND QUESTIONNAIRES, FOUND THAT POLICE OFFICERS IN ILLINOIS DO NOT HAVE THE TRAINING TO DETECT SYMPTOMS OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY AND OFTEN SUCH PERSONS ARE FUNNELED INTO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM WHERE THEY ARE FACED WITH PROCEEDINGS THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND AND CORRECTIONAL ALTERNATIVES WHICH ARE NOT APPROPRIATE. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT COURT PERSONNEL BE AWARE OF THE SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL RETARDATION AND THAT SPECIALIZED COMMUNITY HEALTH AGENCIES BE CONTACTED WHEN SUCH AN OFFENDER IS APPREHENDED. IT IS ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT JUDICIAL PERSONNEL SUPPORT COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS AND SPECIAL INSTITUTIONS AS ALTERNATIVES TO PRISON, AND THAT CORRECTIONS PERSONNEL BE GIVEN TRAINING IN WORKING WITH THE MENTALLY RETARDED. COMMUNITY AGENCIES SHOULD BE UTILIZED TO PROVIDE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, DIAGNOSTIC HELP, AND OTHER SPECIALIZED SERVICES. MANY COURTS FIND THEMSELVES AT A LOSS WHEN CALLED UPON TO DEAL WITH THE MENTALLY RETARDED. OFTEN SUCH PERSONS ARE SENTENCED TO LONG TERMS IN MENTAL HOSPITALS, WHICH DEPRIVE THEM OF THEIR LIBERTIES. PLEA BARGAINING IS CALLED A BETTER ALTERNATIVE. EACH STUDY IS REPORTED IN DETAIL. THE SURVEY INSTRUMENTS ARE APPENDED.