ORCID Profile
0000-0001-9471-9726
Current Organisation
RMIT University
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Public Health and Health Services | Correctional Theory And Services; Penology | Criminology | Detection And Prevention Of Crime; Security Services | Mental Health | Personality, Abilities And Assessment | Community Child Health | Sociological Methodology and Research Methods | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health | Sociology and Social Studies of Science and Technology | Police Administration, Procedures And Practice | Human Rights | Psychology | Care For Disabled | Mental Health | Health Promotion
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Law enforcement | Correctional services | Behaviour and health | Ability and disability | Understanding legal processes | Public services management | Social Structure and Health | Mental Health | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health - Determinants of Health | Behaviour and Health | Child Health | Mental health |
Related Links
Publications
The impact of psychiatric symptoms, interpersonal style, and coercion on aggression and self-harm during psychiatric hospitalization
Publisher: Guilford Publications
Date: 12-2010
DOI: 10.1521/PSYC.2010.73.4.365
Abstract: Interpersonal style, a key component of personality and personality disorder, has emerged as an important characteristic that is relevant to aggressive behavior by patients in psychiatric hospitals. However, studies examining the relationship between interpersonal style and aggression have thus far only been conducted with patients with personality disorder and/or mild and stable symptoms of mental illness. This study explored the relative importance of patients' interpersonal style, psychiatric symptoms, and perceptions of staff coercion on aggression and self-harm during acute psychiatric hospitalization. One hundred and fifty-two patients (M = 38.32 years, SD = 12.06 56.8% males and 43.2% females) admitted for short-term assessment and treatment to the acute units of a civil and a forensic psychiatric hospital were administered the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Impact Message Inventory, and MacArthur Admission Experience Survey. Participants' files were reviewed and nursing staff were interviewed at the end of each patient's hospital stay to determine whether participants had self-harmed or acted aggressively towards others. Initial univariate analyses showed that thought disorder and dominant and hostile-dominant interpersonal styles predicted aggression. Using multiple regression and controlling for gender and age, only a hostile-dominant interpersonal style predicted aggression (β = .258, p < .05). No factors were significantly related to self-harm. These results suggest that measures of interpersonal style are sensitive to those aspects of interpersonal functioning that are critical to patient's responses to the demands of psychiatric in-patient treatment. Procedures to assess risk and engage and manage potentially aggressive patients, including limit-setting styles and de-escalation strategies, should take into account the interpersonal style of patients and the interpersonal behavior of staff.
Schizophrenia disorders, substance abuse and prior offending in a sequential series of 435 homicides
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-06-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1600-0447.2011.01731.X
Abstract: To examine the relationship between committing homicide, the presence of schizophrenia, substance misuse and past criminality. The study employed a data linkage design, using contacts recorded on two statewide databases, one of which recorded public mental health services contacts and the second of which recorded contacts with the police. The estimated rates of schizophrenia disorders, substance abuse and criminal convictions found among a population of 435 homicide offenders were contrasted with estimated rates in two composite comparison s les. Of the 435 offenders, 38 (8.7%) had been diagnosed with a schizophrenia disorder, which was RR 13.11 (95% CI 9.14-18.80) times more likely than a comparison s le. Rates of known substance abuse between homicide offenders with and without schizophrenia and community-dwelling residents with schizophrenia did not differ significantly. However, these rates were higher than those found in the general community. A similar pattern emerged for comparisons regarding offending histories between these same groups. The association between homicidal violence and having a schizophrenia disorder cannot be explained away simply on the basis of either comorbid substance abuse or prior criminal offending.
The nature of police involvement in mental health transfers
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-10-2014
The Impact of Interpersonal Style on Ruptures and Repairs in the Therapeutic Alliance Between Offenders and Therapists in Sex Offender Treatment
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 27-11-2017
Abstract: The therapeutic relationship is a critical component of psychological treatment. Strain can occur in the relationship, particularly when working with offenders, and more specifically, those offenders with interpersonal difficulties strain can lead to a rupture, which may affect treatment participation and performance. This study examined ruptures in the therapeutic relationship in sexual offenders participating in offense-focused group treatment. Fifty-four sex offenders rated the therapeutic alliance at the commencement and completion of treatment at the completion of treatment, they also reported on the occurrence of ruptures and whether they believed these ruptures were repaired. Ruptures were separated by type, according to severity—Each relationship was therefore characterized as experiencing no rupture, a minor rupture, or a major rupture. Offender characteristics including interpersonal style (IPS) and psychopathy were assessed at the commencement of treatment their relationship with ruptures was examined. Results revealed that more than half of the offenders (approximately 55%) experienced a rupture in the therapeutic alliance, with one in four of these ruptures remaining unresolved. Offenders who did not report a rupture rated the therapeutic alliance significantly higher at the end of treatment compared with those offenders who reported a rupture that was not repaired. Offenders who reported a major rupture in the therapeutic relationship were higher in interpersonal hostility and hostile-dominance. No interpersonal or offense-specific factors affected the likelihood of a rupture repair.
Needs and risks of patients in a state-wide inpatient forensic mental health population
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1447-0349.2010.00665.X
Abstract: Routine needs assessments have become mandated requirements for public mental health services. However, the appropriateness of these generic health needs assessments to specialist populations remains questionable. This study sought to assess in idual needs assessed using a widely used clinician rated assessment (Health of the Nation Outcome Scales-Secure HoNOS-Secure), a subjective needs assessment that considers both staff and patient perspectives (Camberwell Assessment of Need-Forensic version CANFOR), and a measure of risk for general criminal reci ism (Level of Service Inventory: Screening Version LSI:SV) in a secure forensic mental health service. Results revealed significant positive correlations between staff ratings on HoNOS-Secure, CANFOR total needs, and CANFOR met needs scores, but no significant association between CANFOR ratings or HoNOS-Secure ratings and LSI:SV scores. Although patients and staff reported the same number of needs overall according to CANFOR (7.2 vs. 7.5, P > 0.05), patients reported that more of these needs were unmet (3.1 vs. 2.3, P < 0.05). Differences between staff and patient ratings of need suggest that needs assessments should include patient perspectives to facilitate more collaborative and comprehensive care planning. Divergent perspectives between patients and staff may impair patient engagement in treatment and therefore negatively impact on outcome. Service planning issues and opportunities for future research are discussed.
Does Resilience Predict Recidivism in Young Offenders?
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 16-07-2015
Designated as Dangerous: Characteristics of Sex Offenders Subject to Post-Sentence Orders in Australia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2011
Violence risk and gang affiliation in youth offenders: a recidivism study
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-08-2010
Re-visiting the need for High Security Psychiatric Hospitals in England
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2004
CANFOR Portuguese version: Validation study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-05-2013
The Predictive Validity of the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) in a Secure Forensic Hospital: Risk Factors and Strengths
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2011
Analysis of Fatal Police Shootings: Time, Space, and Suicide by Police
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 24-04-2012
Abstract: Police use of lethal force occurs rarely and is legally permissible when used appropriately. When police use fatal force, their behavior is highly scrutinized by the legal system and the public. The present study analyzed factors characteristic of 45 coronial investigations of police engagements that culminated in civilian fatalities between 1980 and 2008 in Victoria, Australia. Findings suggest that fatalities commonly occurred at arrest during unplanned police operation, and the majority of incidents were of short duration. The majority of the decedents were armed, acted aggressively, resisted arrest, and escalated the incident. A third of the incidents met the criteria for possible suicide by police. Differences in mental health, incident, and police response characteristics were found between those who met these criteria and those who did not. The findings and their implications for law enforcement, the public, and the mental health system are presented and discussed.
A comparison of offending trajectories in violent youth according to violence type
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-07-2017
DOI: 10.1002/CBM.1969
Abstract: Widespread public concern about youth violence persists, particularly the so-called acts of appetitive violence characterised by positive affect and exemplified in modern trends such as 'happy slapping'. Empirical research into this phenomenon is scant. The aim of this study was to determine whether perpetration of appetitive violence signals a specific offending trajectory. We reviewed reports and related material from 105 violent young offenders referred to court mental health services in the state of Victoria, Australia. Index violent offences were categorised as appetitive or not. Official police records were used to determine rearrest during the 12 months following mental health assessment. The nine young people whose offence was classified as appetitive were male and did not reoffend, generally or violently, at different rates than the other youths. The offending trajectories of young people with appetitively violent index offences were indistinguishable from other violent youths. There is thus insufficient information here to recommend distinctive intervention for this subgroup, but their high reoffending rate (7/9) suggests that they are worthy of more research attention. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An ecological study of factors associated with rates of self-inflicted death in prisons in England and Wales
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJLP.2005.10.004
Abstract: This study describes ecological associations between self-inflicted death rates and prison-level environmental indicators over the period 2000-2002 in England and Wales. The objective was to assist in the development of interventions for reducing the incidence of self-inflicted deaths in prisons in England and Wales, by identifying risk factors, including overcrowding, positive drug tests, the number of assaults, purposeful activity, offending behaviour programmes, and cost per prisoner. Poisson regression was used to estimate associations between self-inflicted death rates and these potential risk factors, controlling for different categories of prison. The annual rate of self-inflicted death during 2000-2002 was 1.14 per 1000 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.34), with no evidence for a difference in the two years. Highest rates were in the Male Local and Women's prisons at 1.86 (95% CI 1.42 to 2.26) and 2.27 (95% CI 1.35 to 3.84) per 1000 respectively. In a multivariate analysis, overcrowding, assault rate and purposeful activity were significant. In an analysis controlling also for prison category, only purposeful activity remained independently significant, as a protective factor (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.92, p=0.02) with weaker evidence for a positive association with positive drug tests (RR 1.41, 95% CI 0.96 to 2.05, p=0.08). Despite concerns about the quality of routinely collected data and the interpretation of ecological associations, this study suggests that a higher level of purposeful activity is independently associated with lower rates of self-inflicted death, whatever the prison category. This adds support to other studies conducted at the level of the in idual prisoner.
Elucidating the treatment needs of gang‐affiliated youth offenders
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 15-07-2011
DOI: 10.1108/17596591111154167
Abstract: Gang affiliation is strongly associated with youth crime. Although gang prevention, intervention and suppression programmes have been used to reduce affiliation and manage youth gang‐related activities, the effectiveness of these approaches is questionable. Further, comprehensive programmes supporting disengagement from gangs that also address the actual criminal behaviours of gang‐affiliated youth are rare. Arguably, these are necessary if the goal of intervention is to reduce criminal behaviour and support disengagement from gangs. This paper aims to address these issues. This study sought to elucidate the criminogenic needs of gang‐ and nongang‐affiliated youth offenders (n=165) using two commonly used risk/need assessment instruments, the structured assessment of violence risk in youth (SAVRY) and the youth level of service/case management inventory (YLS/CMI). The results revealed that gang‐ and nongang‐affiliated youth offenders had similar criminogenic need profiles except for one difference on an item measuring peer delinquency. Gang‐affiliated youth offenders have comparable criminogenic needs to other youth offenders. These needs require intervention if a reduction in crime is desired, and since gang‐affiliated youth offenders are more likely to re‐offend than those that are nongang‐affiliated, these results also suggest that there may be additional needs, beyond those assessed by the SAVRY and YLS/CMI, which should be investigated and considered in rehabilitation programmes. Few studies have directly compared the risk and needs profiles between gang‐ and nongang‐affiliated youth offenders using standardised risk assessment measures this study may be relevant to professionals working in the juvenile justice and offender rehabilitation arenas.
Harm associated with stalking victimization
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1080/00048670802277230
Abstract: Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the frequency at which assault and attempted assault occur as outcomes among stalking victims, and to explore the common characteristics of those cases in which the victims report these harmful outcomes as a result of the stalking behaviour. Method: A s le of 3700 men and women randomly selected from the electoral roll were sent a postal questionnaire to determine the prevalence and nature of their experiences of stalking behaviours. Those who self-reported that they had been stalked were ided according to whether their pursuer had, or had not, attacked them. Results: Of the 432 who reported having been stalked, 75 (17.4%) had been attacked. A number of victim and perpetrator factors differentiated those who reported attacks. A combination of the victim being threatened, being an ex-intimate, and being younger at the time of the stalking incident were predictive of attack. A multivariate model containing these factors correctly classified 82% of the s le and achieved an AUC of 0.87. Conclusions: Stalking is an all too common problem behaviour that can result in a range of harmful outcomes for victims. Threats made by ex-intimates are a particular cause for concern. The generalizability of these findings should be tested using robust prospective methodologies in erse populations.
An analysis of dangerous sexual offender assessment reports: Recommendations for best practice
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2011
Psychiatric symptoms and histories among people detained in police cells
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-06-2011
DOI: 10.1007/S00127-010-0256-5
Abstract: This study examined the psychiatric symptoms, mental health histories and psychiatric medication use in a s le of people detained in police cells. Offences that led to the detention episode were compared between those with and without psychiatric symptoms. Detainees were interviewed by nurses who completed a clinical interview and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Full histories of contact data for participants were then drawn from the public mental health services database and the police database, and from their general practitioners. One-third of the 614 detainees exhibited psychiatric symptoms in police custody and 42% received medical treatment after arrest. Over half (55%) of the detainees had previous contact with the public mental health system. Having a history of contact with mental health services was found to contribute significantly to psychiatric symptoms in police cells. Offences committed by detainees did not differ between those presenting with and without psychiatric symptoms. Many detainees in police cells experience psychiatric symptoms. This creates a significant clinical need necessitating timely access to health care and a continuity of care with health service providers beyond the initial police cell contact. Such a service model will require the development of functional interagency partnerships between the police and health services.
The Prevalence, Mental Health and Criminal Characteristics of Potential Problem Gamblers in a Substance Using Treatment Seeking Population
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-11-2016
The prediction of violence in acute psychiatric units
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2003
How secure are the secure psychiatric units in New South Wales?
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 08-10-2019
Abstract: To evaluate the therapeutic security characteristics of the secure forensic mental health inpatient units in New South Wales, Australia. This study evaluated all eight secure inpatient units in New South Wales using a validated tool, the Security Needs Assessment Profile. A pattern of decreasing therapeutic security across the secure units was found, consistent with their intended security levels, from high security through to open security. However, important inconsistencies across and between levels of security were highlighted. This study clarifies the therapeutic security structure of the New South Wales forensic mental health service, which is an essential first step in service development and reform.
Use of Nonfatal Force on and by Persons With Apparent Mental Disorder in Encounters With Police
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 08-02-2013
Abstract: Although a number of factors have been examined in relation to their effect on the prevalence and characteristics of police use of force, studies examining whether the person appeared to be mentally ill during the incident are lacking. Police recorded that 306 (7.2%) of the 4,267 people on whom they used force in Victoria, Australia, between 1995 and 2008 appeared to have a mental disorder. This group was more likely to threaten or use weapons on police and to have weapons used or threatened against them by police, as compared to those not deemed by police to be mentally disordered. Increased emphasis on communication and verbal deescalation tactics during police training and practice as well as proactive broader system-level changes should be implemented between police and mental health services to enable more effective management of these incidents to reduce the need to resort to increased use of force to resolve them.
Children’s implicit recall of junk food, alcohol and gambling sponsorship in Australian sport
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-10-2015
Factors associated with seclusion in a statewide forensic psychiatric service in Australia over a 2-year period
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-01-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1447-0349.2008.00567.X
Abstract: Despite seclusion being described as one of the most ethically- and legally-controversial management options available, it remains a widely-used clinical strategy for managing disruptive, aggressive, and violent behaviour. This study sought to determine how frequently seclusion was used, the common characteristics of those secluded and not secluded, and the degree to which the Level of Service Inventory - Revised: Screening Version (LSI-R: SV) could predict seclusion. The study was retrospective, covering the first 2 years of operation of a statewide forensic psychiatry hospital in Victoria, Australia. Data were collected from in idual case files, electronic databases, and paper copies of records pertaining to violent incidents and episodes of seclusion. Eighty five (44%) of the 193 patients admitted during this period were secluded. Those secluded were significantly younger and had a more established psychiatric history. LSI-R: SV scores were significantly and positively associated with being secluded. A statistical model containing three LSI-R: SV items, along with age on admission and psychiatric history, achieved an area under the curve of 0.74. Seclusion is used on a regular basis in response to a range of different forms of aggressive behaviour of different severity. The LSI-R: SV demonstrated moderate-to-good accuracy in predicting seclusion and warrants further research using detailed prospective methodologies.
The security, clinical and social needs of patients in high security psychiatric hospitals in England
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2004
Police encounters with people with intellectual disability: Prevalence, characteristics and challenges
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-11-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2788.2011.01502.X
Abstract: This study investigated the experiences and perceptions of operational members of Victoria Police in relation to their contacts with people with intellectual disability (ID). Key interests for exploration included how frequently and in what context police reported coming into contact with people with ID, how they made this identification, and the challenges they experienced at this interface. Participants comprised 229 operational police members who attended mandatory firearms training sessions over a 2-week period in Melbourne, Australia. Police reported coming into contact with people they believed to have an ID on a regular basis and for a wide variety of reasons. They were most likely to base their knowledge on job-related experiences and were most likely to identify in iduals on the basis of physical and behavioural cues. The most common challenges were communication, and gaining access to assistance and co-operation from other service providers. While many considered themselves capable in their interactions with those with ID, those who identified that they were most in need of training reported lower confidence in how to respond in these encounters. Future training needs to focus on differentiating between mental illness and ID, techniques for enhancing identification and communication, and the inclusion of hands-on scenario-based sessions involving an interdisciplinary approach.
Displacement and health
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-2004
DOI: 10.1093/BMB/LDH009
Police Perceptions of Irrational Unstable Behaviours and Use of Force
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-10-2017
The effects of stigma and discrimination on help‐seeking behaviour and the role of police contact
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2023
DOI: 10.1002/AJS4.285
Exploring the victim offender overlap among people with an intellectual disability
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-02-2022
DOI: 10.1111/JAR.12984
Abstract: While there is growing international evidence pointing to the increased risks of crime perpetration and victimisation for some people with an intellectual disability, the overlap between offending and victimisation (the victim‐offender overlap) remains unclear. This study utilised a data linkage methodology of 2600 people with an intellectual disability, exploring their contacts with public mental health services and the police in Victoria, Australia. Victim‐offenders accounted for a small proportion of the s le ( n = 148, 5.7%). The victim‐offender overlap was evident for both violent and nonviolent nonsexual crimes, particularly for theft, burglary, and threat‐related crimes. Key differences were also noted between males and females. People with an intellectual disability who are both victim and offenders comprise a small but particularly complex justice‐involved population. Future research should explore the victim offender overlap for males and females separately, as well as any additional risks and vulnerabilities associated with specific mental health diagnoses.
The impact of treatment on hostile-dominance in forensic psychiatric inpatients: relationships between change in hostile-dominance and recidivism following release from custody
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-2013
Are patients with a history of illicit drug use perceived to be 'drug-seeking' when they request pro re nata medication and does this impact on its administration?
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2009
A Study of the Multiple and Complex Needs of Australian Young Adult Offenders
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2013
The impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on mental health care
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2004
Sensationalising sex offenders and sexual recidivism: Impact of the serious sex offender monitoring Act 2005 on media reportage
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2009
A comparison of statistical models in predicting violence in psychotic illness
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2005
DOI: 10.1016/J.COMPPSYCH.2004.10.001
Abstract: The application of statistical modeling techniques, including classification and regression trees, in the prediction of violence has increasingly received attention. The predictive performance of logistic regression and classification tree methods in predicting violence was explored in a s le of patients with psychotic illness. Of 2 logistic regression models, the forward stepwise method produced a simpler model than the full model, but the latter performed better. The performance of the classification tree appeared to be high before cross-validation, but reduced when cross-validated. The standard logistic model was the most robust model. A simplified tree with extra weight given to violent cases was a reasonable competitor and was simple to apply. Although classification trees can be suitable for routine clinical practice, because of the simplicity of their decision-making processes, their robustness and therefore clinical utility was problematic in this s le. Further research is required to compare such models in large prospective epidemiologic studies of other psychiatric populations.
Hm prison healthcare needs assessment
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2001
Youth gang affiliation, violence, and criminal activities: A review of motivational, risk, and protective factors
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2013
Utilization of public mental health services in a random community sample
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 05-2010
DOI: 10.3109/00048670903555112
Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to examine patterns of service utilization in the public mental health service in the Australian state of Victoria. Lifetime contact with the public mental health system will be used to approximate lifetime prevalence for schizophrenia in the community. Method: A case-linkage design joined a statewide psychiatric register with a random s le of community members drawn from a statewide electoral roll (n = 4830). In cases where in iduals had been in contact with public mental health services, their full contact history was extracted. Results: Members of the community come into contact with public mental health services for a variety of reasons, including those beyond the scope of psychiatric diagnosis and treatment, with 23% of those who made contact not receiving a psychiatric diagnosis and/or ongoing treatment. Although only 0.7% of the s le had a lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia, these persons accounted for a significant proportion of public mental health service use. Schizophrenia-spectrum disorders were particularly prevalent among psychiatric crisis and extended care and supervision services. Conclusions: The Australian public mental health system has undergone significant reform in recent years. As a result, there has been a shift towards community-based care and a marked reduction in inpatient facilities. The public mental health system is a service that primarily serves those with a psychotic illness, thereby dictating that persons with so-called high-prevalence disorders, including affective and/or substance use disorders, seek psychiatric treatment elsewhere.
Appetitive Violence: A New Phenomenon?
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2012
The identification and management of suicide risk in local prisons
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2007
Invited editorial: A green-fingered approach can improve the clinical utility of violence risk assessment tools
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2003
DOI: 10.1002/CBM.538
Psychopathology in a large cohort of sexually abused children followed up to 43 years
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2010
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHIABU.2010.04.004
Abstract: To determine the rate and risk of clinical and personality disorders diagnosed in childhood and adulthood in those known to have been sexually abused during childhood. Forensic medical records of 2,759 sexually abused children assessed between 1964 and 1995 were linked with a public psychiatric database between 12 and 43 years later. Cases were compared to control subjects matched on gender and age groupings drawn from the general population through a random s le of the national electoral database. A lifetime record of contact with public mental health services was found in 23.3% of cases compared to 7.7% of controls. The rate of contact among child sexual abuse victims was 3.65 times higher (95% CI, 3.09-4.32, p<0.001). It was estimated that child sexual abuse accounted for approximately 7.83% of mental health contact. Exposure to sexual abuse increased risks for the majority of outcomes including psychosis, affective, anxiety, substance abuse, and personality disorders. Rates of clinical disorders diagnosed in adulthood and childhood remained significantly higher among child sexual abuse cases. Older age at sexual abuse and those exposed to severe abuse involving penetration or multiple offenders were associated with greater risk for psychopathology. This study confirms that child sexual abuse is a substantial risk factor for a range of mental disorders in both childhood and adulthood. Those treating victims of sexual abuse must assess not only disorders commonly associated with trauma, but also low prevalence disorders such as psychosis.
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders in a cohort of sexually abused children
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 11-2010
DOI: 10.1001/ARCHGENPSYCHIATRY.2010.147
Abstract: The evidence for an association between child sexual abuse and subsequently developing psychotic disorders, including the schizophrenias, remains inconclusive. To explore whether child sexual abuse is a risk factor for later psychotic disorders. Case-control study. S le drawn from all notified cases of child sexual abuse over a 30-year period in Victoria, Australia. A cohort of 2759 in iduals ascertained as having been sexually abused when younger than 16 years had their subsequent contacts with mental health services established by data linkage. They were compared with a community-based control group matched on sex and age groupings whose rates of disorder were established using identical methods. Rates of psychotic and schizophrenic illnesses. Rates were significantly higher among child sexual abuse subjects compared with controls for psychosis in general (2.8% vs 1.4% odds ratio, 2.1 95% confidence interval, 1.4-3.1 P < .001) and schizophrenic disorders in particular (1.9% vs 0.7% odds ratio, 2.6 95% confidence interval, 1.6-4.4 P < .001). Those exposed to penetrative abuse had even higher rates of psychosis (3.4%) and schizophrenia (2.4%). Abuse without penetration was not associated with significant increases in psychosis or schizophrenia. The risks were highest for those whose abuse involved penetration, occurred after age 12 years, and involved more than 1 perpetrator, the combination producing rates of 8.6% for schizophrenia and 17.2% for psychosis. Child sexual abuse involving penetration is a risk factor for developing psychotic and schizophrenic syndromes. The risk is greater for adolescents subjected to penetration. Irrespective of whether this statistical association reflects any causal link, it does identify an at-risk population in need of ongoing support and treatment.
Crime and victimization among people with intellectual disability with and without comorbid mental illness
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-04-2019
DOI: 10.1111/JAR.12598
Abstract: Accumulating evidence internationally points to an increased risk of crime perpetration and victimization among people with an intellectual disability (ID). This study aimed to examine the impact that comorbid mental illness had on the association between intellectual disability, crime perpetration and criminal victimization. A case linkage methodology involving 2,220 in iduals with an intellectual disability from an Australian State. One in four (27%) had contacts with public mental health services 8.2% had a comorbid mental illness. This "dual disability" group was between 2.97 and 3.22 times more likely than those with intellectual disability alone to have a history of criminal charges, and between 2.76 and 2.97 times more likely to have been a victim of crime. The extent of criminality and victimization found among people with dual disability indicates a potentially multiply stigmatized group for whom the need for a coordinated cross-agency service response remains paramount.
Does Mental Illness Impact the Incidence of Crime and Victimisation among Young People?
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-07-2017
A study of psychotic disorders among female homicide offenders
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 23-07-2012
Comparing violence in schizophrenia patients with and without comorbid substance-use disorders to community controls
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1111/ACPS.12066
Abstract: This study examined crime and violence in patients with schizophrenia with and without comorbid substance-use disorders. A case-linkage design was used to compare patterns of violence and offending between 4168 schizophrenia patients drawn from a state-wide public mental health register, both with and without comorbid substance-use disorders, and a randomly selected community control group who had never been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia patients were significantly more likely than controls to be guilty of violent and non-violent offences, and to have been involved in family violence. Even schizophrenia patients without comorbid substance-use disorders had a significantly elevated risk of violence this group were more than twice as likely as controls to have a violent conviction. The elevation of violence risk in schizophrenia patients was higher in females (OR = 8.59) than males (OR = 2.25). The increased risk of violent offending in schizophrenia cannot be solely attributed to the effects of comorbid substance misuse, although comorbidity certainly heightens the likelihood of criminality. In addition to offending, people with schizophrenia are more likely than community controls to come to the attention of police via their involvement in family violence incidents. Schizophrenia is a particularly strong risk factor for violence in females.
The experience of nurses moving into forensic mental health employment: A qualitative study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-11-2023
DOI: 10.1111/INM.13091
Abstract: While forensic mental health has seen considerable growth over the last two decades, little is known about the experience of registered nurses working in these environments. This study used a qualitative descriptive approach and interviewed 11 registered nurses to explore the interpersonal experiences of transition into a forensic mental health hospital. The data revealed three themes. ‘Observing what's safe’ examined nurses' ability to maintain safety in the context of inconsistent practices among colleagues. ‘Navigating cliques and isions’ focused on nurses' sense of belonging and adapting to professional and personal groups. Finally, ‘gaining management support’ reflected nurses' experiences of engagement with management. This study provides new insight into nurses' experience of adapting to employment in forensic mental health settings and highlights the importance of positive support strategies for workplace transition.
Procedural justice in contacts with the police: Testing a Relational Model of Authority in a Mixed Methods Study
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 11-2011
DOI: 10.1037/A0024212
Staff and patient's perceptions of each other's interpersonal style: Relationship with severity of personality disorder
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 06-05-2010
Abstract: Extreme and varied reactions are often encountered when working with patients with personality disorders. Similarly, patients with personality disorder may also hold polarised opinions of the staff involved in their treatment. This study explored the relationship between severity of personality disorder and interpersonal style in patients admitted for treatment to a secure psychiatric unit. Up to four nurses rated each patient’s interpersonal style using the Impact Message Inventory, a self-report transactional inventory. Patients then rated the interpersonal style of these same staff. Contrary to expectations, severity of personality disorder was not associated with patients’ interpersonal style or to variance in nurses’ assessments of patients’ interpersonal style. However, patients with more severe personality disorder tended to show greater variability in their assessment of nurses’ interpersonal style, specifically their appraisal of staff members’ interpersonal dominance. Implications for the assessment of offenders admitted for treatment of their personality disorder are discussed.
Childhood Abuse and Delinquency: A Descriptive Study of Institutionalized Female Youth in Singapore
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2009
Police contact with people with an intellectual disability: The Independent Third Person perspective
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-05-2013
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2788.2012.01571.X
Abstract: A number of jurisdictions have instituted legislation requiring an independent person to be present during police interviews with vulnerable people. In Victoria, Australia, a group of volunteers known as independent third persons help to fulfil this role with people who present with cognitive impairment arising from their mental illness or disability. This study sought to explore the perspectives of the Independent Third Person volunteers on police identification of and responses to people with intellectual disability (ID). All registered Independent Third Person volunteers across the State of Victoria in Australia were identified and sent a postal survey on their experiences and confidence in performing their role, their perceptions of police competency, and the challenges they faced working at this interface. Of the 207 Independent Third Persons identified, 94 (45%) completed and returned the survey. Participants reported that despite being overly reliant on previous police contacts and cues relating to communication difficulties, they viewed police as generally competent in their ability to identify people with ID. They also considered themselves confident in performing their own roles at this interface, albeit more so at the perfunctory aspects of the role and less so with the emotional aspects of supporting the person being interviewed. Police are seen as competent at identifying those with cognitive deficits and seeking appropriate supports for the person with ID in the interview context. More specialised training for police members is recommended in communicating with people with IDs. Volunteers working at this interface require additional support and training in helping to meet the emotional needs of those being interviewed.
Reducing the use of seclusion in a forensic psychiatric hospital: Assessing the impact on aggression, therapeutic climate and staff confidence
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2010
The risks, needs and stages of recovery of a complete forensic patient cohort in an Australian state
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-02-2018
A 10 year follow-up study of young people reported missing to the police for the first time in 2005
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 26-04-2018
Police officers' views of absconding from mental health units in Victoria, Australia
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-07-2014
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12036
Abstract: Patients regularly abscond from mental health units and at times the consequences for patients and for others can be serious. The police are involved with absconding events, but are rarely considered in the mental health literature. In most jurisdictions, the police can take missing person reports for involuntary patients whose whereabouts are unknown and there are genuine concerns for their safety or welfare. Those people remain active cases for the police until located. This paper presents extracts of 25 police officers' narratives from a qualitative research project. Officers viewed absconding as a regular event, and workload burden that was exacerbated when mental health staff rarely initiated any search for the absconded patient and abdicated responsibility too quickly to the police. The officers were concerned about communication with mental health services and reported that information about the absconded patient could be inadequate or not given to police, and police often were not informed when the patient was found or discharged. Improved liaison and cooperative working that promote effective communication could strengthen police and mental health nursing collaboration and ensure better outcomes for patients.
Police management of mental health crisis situations in the community: status quo, current gaps and future directions
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-01-2015
Procedural justice in victim-police interactions and victims' recovery from victimisation experiences
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 16-04-2014
Law enforcement and public mental health
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-12-2021
DOI: 10.1111/JPM.12725
The impact of interpersonal style on aggression and treatment non-completion in patients with personality disorder admitted to a medium secure psychiatric unit
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-2008
A case-linkage study of crime victimisation in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders over a period of deinstitutionalisation
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-02-2013
Abstract: Despite high rates of self-reported crime victimisation, no study to date has compared official victimisation records of people with severe mental illness with a random community s le. Accordingly, this study sought to determine whether persons with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders have higher rates of recorded victimisation than the general population, and to explore whether there have been changes in rates of recorded victimisation over a period of deinstitutionalisation. The schizophrenia-spectrum cases were drawn from a state-wide public mental health register, comprising all persons first diagnosed with a schizophrenic illness in five year cohorts between 1975 – 2005. The criminal histories of 4,168 persons diagnosed with schizophrenic-spectrum disorders were compared to those of a randomly selected community s le of 4,641 in iduals. Compared to community controls, patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders were significantly more likely to have a record of violent (10.1% vs. 6.6%, odds ratio 1.4) and sexually violent victimisation (1.7% vs. 0.3%, odds ratio 2.77), but less likely to have an official record of victimisation overall (28.7% vs. 39.1%, odds ratio 0.5). Over the approximate period of deinstitutionalisation, the rate of recorded victimisation has more than doubled in schizophrenia-spectrum patients, but stayed relatively constant in the general community. People with schizophrenic-spectrum disorders are particularly vulnerable to violent crime victimisation although co-morbid substance misuse and criminality both heighten the chances of victimisation, they cannot fully account for the increased rates. Deinstitutionalisation may have, in part, contributed to an unintended consequence of increasing rates of victimisation amongst the seriously mentally ill.
Policing Services With Mentally Ill People: Developing Greater Understanding and Best Practice
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-2013
Psychopathology in police custody: The role of importation, deprivation and interaction models
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2012
Toward an empirical conceptualisation of resilience in young adult offenders
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2012
Psychiatric disorders and unmet needs in Australian police cells
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 11-2010
DOI: 10.1080/00048674.2010.503650
Abstract: Objective: To determine the prevalence of current psychiatric disorders and unmet needs in a s le of police cell detainees in Victoria. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted, including data linkage with the Victoria Police database and the Victorian Psychiatric Case Register. In Melbourne, Australia, 150 detainees were recruited from two busy metropolitan police stations. Outcome measures included estimated rates of psychiatric disorders, using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR, and in idual needs, using the Camberwell Assessment of Need – Forensic Version. Results: One quarter (n = 32, 25.4%) of detainees had a prior admission to a psychiatric hospital, and three quarters met current criteria for a diagnosable mental disorder. The most common disorders were substance dependence (n = 81, 54%) and mood disorders (n = 60, 40%). A third met diagnostic criteria for both a mental illness and a substance use disorder. The odds of being classified with mood (OR = 10.1), anxiety (OR = 2.2), psychotic (OR = 15.4) and substance use disorders (OR = 26.3) were all significantly higher in the current s le as compared with the general population. Detainees with a mental illness identified significantly more needs and significantly more unmet needs (e.g. psychological distress) than those who did not rate as having a current mental illness. Conclusions: There remains a pressing need to evaluate standardized screening tools for mental illnesses in police cells to provide timely access to assessment and treatment services. The need for functional interagency collaborations are highlighted and discussed.
Police officers' views of their encounters with people with personality disorder
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-07-2015
DOI: 10.1111/JPM.12099
Abstract: In Australia, people experiencing personality disorder have featured little in policing studies and policy or mental health policy and legislation, and in the absence of specific guidance their behaviours represent an ongoing challenge for police. This paper presents police officers' accounts from a qualitative research project that explored police encounters with people experiencing mental illness. The officers singled out people with personality disorder and expressed frustration, anger, powerlessness and resignation with their referrals of this group to health services. Officers reported that emergency departments were reluctant to assess people with personality disorder and when they did assess them stated that the person did not meet criteria for admission to mental health services, or if admitted, they were quickly discharged. People with personality disorder were reported to take up considerable police resources. When police were told by mental health professionals that there was nothing they could do about people experiencing personality disorder, then the question from police was what was to be done with them. While pockets of collaborative practice exist between police and mental health services, much change is required to demonstrate that the needs of the person with personality disorder are being met.
Police discretion and encounters with people experiencing mental illness: The significant factors
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 04-10-2010
Redeveloping secure psychiatric services for women
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-2005
Abstract: Historically, a substantial proportion of women have been unduly detained in conditions of high security in England due to the lack of suitable alternative facilities. There have been no studies that have comprehensively examined the in idual needs of these women in relation to their placement needs. A cross sectional survey was undertaken of the in idual and placement needs of all females detained in the three high security psychiatric hospitals (HSPHs) in England on 18th October 1999. Whilst there are clearly differences in accommodation needs among the women, those requiring lower secure services are significantly less likely to have needs in relation to violence (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.14-0.62) and drugs (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.12-0.67) when length of stay is taken into account. They also have lower security, treatment and dependency needs than women still requiring HSPH treatment. A significant reorganisation of services is required. There is a need to gain further understanding of the relationships between traumatic histories, clinical presentation and antisocial behaviour and how these impact on assessed risk, treatment and care needs and outcome. The special needs of these women should be considered a priority when developing treatment and care packages.
De-escalation and limit-setting in forensic mental health units
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 06-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1939-3938.2011.01125.X
Abstract: Limit-setting and de-escalation are commonly used nursing interventions that are critical to the effective maintenance of the therapeutic milieu and the prevention and management of aggression in forensic mental health units. However, despite their purported importance, the techniques used in these interventions are rarely described. Further, these techniques are seldom based on empirical research or derived from a theory or model of aggression or interpersonal behavior. The purpose of this review is to examine the extant literature on limit-setting and de-escalation and consider how these activities could be enhanced. In concluding, this review emphasizes the potential benefits of drawing upon (1) a model of aggressive behavior and (2) a theory and literature examining interpersonal behavior, to enhance limit-setting and de-escalation skills.
A comparison of contemporary and traditional classification schemes used to categorise youth violence
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2013
Identification of mental illness in police cells: a comparison of police processes, the Brief Jail Mental Health Screen and the Jail Screening Assessment Tool
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-2012
Transitioning into new clinical areas of practice: An integrative review of the literature
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-10-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JOCN.14008
Abstract: To critically synthesise research related to the transition of registered nurses into new areas of clinical practice. Global workforce shortages and rising healthcare demands have encouraged registered nurses to move into new clinical settings. While a body of literature reports on the transition of newly qualified nurses, evidence surrounding the transition of more experienced registered nurses to new clinical areas remains poorly explored. An integrative review was conducted, guided by Whittemore and Knafl (Journal of Advanced Nursing, 52, 2005, 546) framework. An electronic database search was conducted for papers published between 1996-2016. Papers were then subjected to a methodological quality appraisal, with findings synthesised using thematic analysis into core themes. Ten articles met the inclusion criteria. Three themes emerged, namely Support, Professional Development and Emotional Impact. These themes suggest that transitioning nurses experience challenges in adapting to new clinical areas and developing necessary skills. Such challenges prompted various emotional and physical responses. While formal and informal support systems were regarded as valuable by transitioning nurses, they were inconsistent across the new clinical areas. There is some evidence to highlight the initial shock and emotional stress experienced by registered nurses during transition to a new clinical area. However, the influence of formal and informal support systems for such registered nurses is far from conclusive. Further research is needed, to examine registered nurse transition into a variety of clinical areas to inform workforce support, policy and practices. The demand of health care is growing while global shortages of nursing workforce remain. To ensure retention and enhance the transition experience of registered nurses, it is important for nurse leaders, managers and policymakers to understand the transition experience and factors that impact this experience.
The needs of males detained under the legal category of 'psychopathic disorder' in high security: Implications for policy and service development
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2005
Correlates of criminal victimisation among police cell detainees in Victoria, Australia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 15-09-0003
Estimating the risk of crime and victimisation in people with intellectual disability: a data-linkage study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 13-03-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S00127-017-1371-3
Abstract: People with intellectual disability (PWID) appear more likely to be victims and perpetrators of crime. However, extant evidence pertaining to these risks is limited by methodological weaknesses and the absence of consistent operational definitions. This research aimed to estimate the prevalence of criminal histories and victimisation using a large, well-defined s le of PWID. A case-linkage study was conducted comprising 2220 PWID registered with disability services in Victoria, Australia, whose personal details were linked with a state-wide police database. Criminal charges and reports of victimisation were compared to a non-disabled community comparison s le (n = 2085). PWID were at increased risk of having a history of criminal charges, particularly for violent and sexual offences. Although the non-disabled comparison group had a greater risk of criminal victimisation overall, PWID had a greatly increased risk of sexual and violent crime victimisation. PWID are at increased risk of victimisation and perpetration of violent and sexual crimes. Risk of sex offending and victimisation is particularly elevated, and signalling the need for specialised interventions to prevent offending and to ensure victims is assisted with access to justice, support, and treatment.
Police custody health care: A review of health morbidity, models of care and innovations within police custody in the UK, with international comparisons
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-2016
DOI: 10.2147/RMHP.S61536
How do psychiatric patients on prison healthcare centres differ from inpatients in secure psychiatric inpatient units?
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2009
Predictors of Perceived Coercion in Patients Admitted for Psychiatric Hospitalization and the Stability of these Perceptions over Time
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 08-2013
Mental illness among police fatalities in Victoria 1982-2007: Case linkage study
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 05-2010
DOI: 10.3109/00048670903493355
Abstract: Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore the mental health and offending histories for all cases that resulted in fatal use of force by Victoria Police between November 1982 and February 2007. Methods: Forty-eight fatalities were extracted from the Use of Force (UoF) Register, and then linked with the mental health and police contacts databases. These data were supplemented, where necessary, with relevant information from Coronial Reports and an Office of Police Integrity Report. Results: All but six cases had involved recorded histories with mental health and criminal justice systems before the fatal incident occurred. Rates of all Axis I disorders were significantly overrepresented, with estimated rates of psychosis and schizophrenia 11.3- and 17.3-fold higher than estimated rates in the general population (95% confidence intervals = 6.3–20.2 and 9.2–32.4, respectively). Although the number of fatalities has halved since inception of Project Beacon (32 before vs 16 after 1995), there has been no reduction in representation of mental illness among those fatally shot. Conclusions: The significant over-representation of Axis I disorders, including severe mental disorders of psychosis and schizophrenia, is of considerable concern for both the police and the mental health providers. Functional interagency partnerships and police training on how to interact with people in distress are recommended to address the overrepresentation of mentally ill persons in these encounters.
From Haystacks to Hospitals: An Evolving Understanding of Mental Disorder and Firesetting
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-01-2015
Adolescent Sexual Offenders: The Relationship Between Typology and Recidivism
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 10-05-2010
Abstract: Adolescent sexual offending represents an ongoing social, judicial, clinical, and policy issue for services. The current study investigated the characteristics, criminal versatility, and rates of reci ism of a cohort of 156 male adolescent sexual offenders who were referred for psychological assessments by the courts between 1996 and 2007 in Singapore. Analyses revealed that specialists (sex-only offenders n = 71, M follow-up = 56.99 months, SD follow-up = 31.33) and generalists (criminally versatile offenders n = 77, M follow-up = 67.83 months, SD follow-up = 36.55) differed with respect to offense characteristics (e.g., sexually assaulting familial victims) and reci istic outcomes. Although both groups sexually reoffended at roughly the same rate (14.3% vs. 9.9%), consistent with their typology, significantly more of the generalists reoffended violently (18.2% vs. 1.4%), sexually and/or violently (27.3% vs. 11.3%), nonviolently (37.7% vs. 16.9%), and engaged in any further criminal behaviors (45.5% vs. 23.9%) during follow-up. Adjusting for total number of offenses and age at first sexual offense, Cox regression analyses showed that generalists were significantly more likely than specialists to reoffend violently (hazard ratio = 9.31 95% confidence interval = 1.15-76.39). The differences between generalists and specialists suggest a valid typological distinction with a higher risk trajectory for the generalists. These findings therefore have important clinical implications for assessment, management, and intervention planning for adolescent sexual offenders.
Should clinicians use average or peak scores on a dynamic risk‐assessment measure to most accurately predict inpatient aggression?
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-12-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1447-0349.2012.00846.X
Abstract: Recent advancements in risk assessment have led to the development of dynamic risk-assessment measures that are predictive of inpatient aggression in the short term. However, there are several areas within this field that warrant further empirical investigation, including whether the average, maximum, or most recent risk state assessment is the most valid for predicting subsequent aggression in the medium term. This prospective study compared the predictive validity of three indices (i.e. mean score, peak score, and most recent single time-point rating) of the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA) for inpatient aggression. Daily risk ratings were completed for 60 psychiatric inpatients (from the acute wards of a forensic psychiatric hospital) for up to 6 months a total of 1054 DASA ratings were obtained. Results showed that mean and peak scores on the DASA were better predictors of interpersonal violence, verbal threat, and any inpatient aggression than the DASA single time-point most recent ratings. Overall, the results support the use of the prior week's mean and peak scores to aid the prediction of inpatient aggression within inpatient forensic psychiatric settings in the short to medium term. These results also have practical implications for clinicians considering risk-management strategies and the scoring of clinically-relevant items on risk-assessment measures.
The reliability and validity of the forensic Camberwell Assessment of Need (CANFOR): a needs assessment for forensic mental health service users
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2008
DOI: 10.1002/MPR.235
The frequency and nature of resolution of potential police provoked shooting encounters
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJLP.2014.02.009
Abstract: Helping people in acute psychiatric crisis has become an increasingly common part of modern community policing. In certain extreme cases, police may be faced with a suicidal in idual who intends to intentionally provoke police to shoot them. While fatalities are fortunately rare, anecdotal reports from frontline police suggest that these kinds of encounters are occurring on a regular basis. This paper explores 2350 psychiatric crisis incidents over an eight-month period in Victoria, Australia, and assesses the frequency and nature of potential police-provoked shootings resolved through non-fatal means. Contextual factors relating to the person's behaviour and police responses, and the person's psychiatric and criminal histories were considered to elucidate characteristics common to these incidents. Results suggest that police are potentially encountering a person who is suicidal and trying to provoke police to shoot them more than twice a week. These in iduals share a number of common characteristics with those who have been fatally shot in similar circumstances and are quite different from those who attempt self-inflicted suicide. Results are discussed in relation to the impact of previous criminal contact from both the suspect and police perspectives.
The individual needs of patients in high secure psychiatric hospitals in England
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 06-2004
Disability at the periphery: legal theory, disability and criminal law
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-07-2014
The Short- to Medium-Term Predictive Accuracy of Static and Dynamic Risk Assessment Measures in a Secure Forensic Hospital
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 19-08-2011
Abstract: Although violence risk assessment knowledge and practice has advanced over the past few decades, it remains practically difficult to decide which measures clinicians should use to assess and make decisions about the violence potential of in iduals on an ongoing basis, particularly in the short to medium term. Within this context, this study sought to compare the predictive accuracy of dynamic risk assessment measures for violence with static risk assessment measures over the short term (up to 1 month) and medium term (up to 6 months) in a forensic psychiatric inpatient setting. Results showed that dynamic measures were generally more accurate than static measures for short- to medium-term predictions of inpatient aggression. These findings highlight the necessity of using risk assessment measures that are sensitive to important clinical risk state variables to improve the short- to medium-term prediction of aggression within the forensic inpatient setting. Such knowledge can assist with the development of more accurate and efficient risk assessment procedures, including the selection of appropriate risk assessment instruments to manage and prevent the violence of offenders with mental illnesses during inpatient treatment.
The impact of sex offender’s interpersonal style, treatment readiness and the therapeutic alliance on treatment gain
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-02-2018
Defining the needs of patients with intellectual disabilities in the high security psychiatric hospitals in England
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-08-2004
Why do nurses seek employment in forensic mental health and what are their first impressions of the clinical environment? A mixed methods study
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-05-2023
DOI: 10.1111/JAN.15703
Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate why registered nurses seek forensic mental health employment and explore their initial impressions of this setting. Explanatory sequential mixed methods. Registered nurses employed in a forensic mental health hospital completed an online survey about their reasons for seeking work in forensic mental health and their transition into the setting. To fully explore findings, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a sub‐group of survey respondents. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse survey data, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the interviews. Sixty‐nine respondents completed the survey, and 11 interviews were conducted. Prior interest in forensic mental health and encouragement from hospital staff were considered important influences in seeking forensic mental health employment. New knowledge, changes in clinical responsibility, exposure to patients' background offences and security processes overwhelmed some participants initially. However, participants reported that the initial challenges of their transition revealed opportunities to develop genuine connections with patients. This study provides a new understanding of the reasons why nurses seek employment in forensic mental health and the challenges and opportunities experienced when first working in this setting. Such professional and personal elements need to be considered by organizations to strengthen recruitment strategies and support future nurses' transition into forensic mental health settings. This study provides new knowledge about recruiting and supporting nurses' transition into forensic mental health employment. As such, it informs policymakers, clinical services and managers about strategies needed to attract and retain this workforce. No public or patient involvement.
Do prior histories of violence and mental disorders impact on violent behaviour during encounters with police?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJLP.2014.02.012
Abstract: Despite sustained large-scale educational c aigns, public attitudes towards mental illness have remained persistently negative. Associated with this, recent research from Victoria, Australia, reported that police commonly associated violent behaviour with mental illness. The present study examined 4267 cases of police use of force and considered what differentiated and characterised violent from non-violent behaviours reported by police in the context of a use of force incident. The specific focus was to examine the effects that historical variables such as age, gender, prior violent offending and having a prior diagnosis of mental disorder, as well as incident specific factors such as exhibiting signs of mental disorder and substance intoxication have on violent behaviour during the use of force incident. The proximal factors of apparent mental disorder and alcohol intoxication were significantly associated with violent behaviour towards police, whilst having a history of prior violence and prior mental disorder diagnoses was not associated with violence. The results challenge traditional stereotyped views about the violence risk posed by people with prior contact with mental health services and those with prior violent offending histories. A service model that allows for psychiatric triage would be able to assist with streamlining police involvement and facilitating timely access to mental health services.
The Impact of Interpersonal Style and Interpersonal Complementarity on the Therapeutic Alliance Between Therapists and Offenders in Sex Offender Treatment
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-08-2017
Abstract: Therapist and treatment process variables affect the effectiveness of offender rehabilitation programs. This study examined the influence of therapists’ and offenders’ interpersonal styles (IPSs) and interpersonal complementarity on therapeutic alliance (TA). Seventy-five sex offenders and their therapists evaluated each other’s IPSs and the TA after 3 weeks of treatment. Offenders evaluated the TA more positively than therapists. Regarding the impact of IPS, therapist affiliation was positively correlated and therapist control was negatively correlated with offenders’ ratings of the TA in other words, offenders evaluated the TA more strongly when therapists were perceived as affiliative, and weaker when therapists were viewed as controlling. Offender affiliation was positively correlated with therapists’ ratings of TA in other words, therapists evaluated the TA more strongly when offenders were viewed as more affiliative perceptions of offender control were unrelated to offenders’ ratings of TA. Complementarity in IPS between offenders and therapists did not affect TA.
'I was running away from death' - The pre-flight experiences of unaccompanied asylum seeking children in the UK
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-02-2004
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2214.2003.00404.X
Abstract: To collect information about the pre-flight experiences of unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) in the UK to increase the understanding of support needed on arrival in the UK. Retrospective social services case file and legal statement review and semi-structured in-depth interviews with 100 UASC. Nearly half of all UASC have experienced separation from or loss of parents and/or family members (47%), and a further 41% had personally experienced or witnessed violence. Sexual violence (such as rape) was reported by 24% of African girls. Many children reported complex journeys to the UK. UASC arrive in the UK with a variety of potentially traumatic experiences. Whilst research is starting to identify some of the experiences of UASC, further culturally appropriate research is needed to identify their health and social needs after arrival. Further research will help to identify the specific experiences of UASC, indicating where services should be improved to deal with their complex and erse needs.
Using Force: Australian Newspaper Depictions of Contacts Between the Police and Persons Experiencing Mental Illness
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-2012
Determinants of gang affiliation in Singaporean youth offenders: social and familial factors
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 12-01-2015
DOI: 10.1108/JACPR-11-2013-0031
Abstract: – Gang affiliation in youth is associated with increased criminal reci ism and an exaggeration of various criminogenic needs affiliation also meets a variety of youth's personal and social needs. The purpose of this paper is to describe a study of the self-reported reasons for joining and leaving gangs, as well as the difficulties faced by Singaporean youth offenders in leaving youth gangs it also explores the relationship between gang affiliation and family connectedness, educational attainment and early exposure to gangs. – This prospective study involved structured interviews and administration of questionnaires with 168 youth offenders in Singapore. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the research questions. – Gang-affiliated youth cited a desire to establish and maintain friendships as their primary reasons for joining a gang. Youth who left their gang reported maturing beyond this need and the activities of their gang, particularly in light of the deleterious impact of their gang-related activities on familial relationships and employment and financial status. Early exposure to gangs through family and neighborhood influences, and poor educational engagement increased the likelihood that youth would join a gang. – This study highlights the need for clinicians and other service providers to better understand the universal human needs that are met through gang affiliation and the correlates of affiliation. – Few studies have directly examined the factors relating to gang affiliation in a non-western context this study may be relevant to professionals working in the juvenile justice and offender rehabilitation arenas.
Estimated rates of mental disorders in, and situational characteristics of, incidents of nonfatal use of force by police
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-06-2013
DOI: 10.1007/S00127-012-0543-4
Abstract: To examine the estimated rates of mental disorders and associated situational characteristics in people involved in nonfatal use of force incidents with police in VIC, Australia. A random s le of 4,267 cases between 1995 and 2008 from a dedicated police Use of Force Register were linked with the state-wide public mental health database and a police contacts database. Rates of ICD 9 and ICD 10 mental disorders recorded on the public mental health database were examined, as well as rates of criminal offending and the characteristics of force used by both parties. More than a third of people on whom the police resorted to using force (n = 1,621, 38%) had a history of mental disorder. Significant overrepresentations of the estimated prevalence of psychosis [12.5%, OR = 9.03, 95% CI (7.41, 11.01), p < 0.001] and schizophrenia [9.1%, OR = 9.73, 95% CI (7.59, 12.47) p < 0.001] were found. Those diagnosed with mental disorders were 1.52 times more likely to use or threaten to use weapons on police, even after taking into account age, sex, substances intoxication and violent behaviour [95% CI (1.23, 1.91), p < 0.001] however, they were no more likely to injure or be injured by police than those without a recorded history of mental disorder. There was a noted trend for police to use, or threaten to use, weapons on people with a history of psychosis (other than schizophrenia) [OR = 1.40, 95% CI (1.11, 1.78), p = 0.005]. Psychoses and schizophrenia are dramatically overrepresented in cases where police resort to using force. Situational characteristics evident in the encounters are suggestive of a sub-group of people with mental disorders presenting with aggressive and otherwise problematic behaviours coupled with histories of criminal offending this presents significant ongoing challenges for the police.
A standardised tool for assessing needs in forensic psychiatric population: Clinical validation of the Italian CANFOR, staff version
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 13-10-2015
DOI: 10.1017/S2045796014000602
Abstract: The Camberwell Assessment of Need – Forensic Version (CANFOR) is a standardised assessment tool specifically designed to assess needs for care in forensic psychiatric populations. The original English version of the instrument has shown good psychometric properties. The aim of this study was to validate the Italian version of the CANFOR-staff tool. After translation and back-translation, the Italian CANFOR tool was administered to a s le of 50 forensic psychiatric patients. Convergent validity was tested using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) by applying Kendall's tau-b. Inter-rater and test–retest reliabilities were measured by ICCs for need dimensions (total and unmet) and Cohen's kappa coefficients for in idual need items. Regarding convergent validity, a higher number of needs (total and unmet) were associated with more severe psychiatric symptoms (BPRS). Higher numbers of unmet needs were also associated with lower levels of global functioning (GAF). ICCs for total and unmet needs scores indicated a good level of agreement for inter-rater reliability and a very good level for test–retest, respectively. Regarding the specific items, inter-rater Cohen's kappa was high (moderate to very good agreement) for 18 items in relation to the presence of a need and for 15 items in the rating of an unmet need, whereas Cohen's kappa for test–retest reliability was very high for all the items in the presence of a need and high for 18 of the unmet need domains. The Italian version of CANFOR has adequate psychometric properties. It can be considered a promising instrument for the assessment of needs of forensic psychiatric patients.
Threats to kill: a follow-up study
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 09-10-2007
DOI: 10.1017/S003329170700181X
Abstract: Mental health clinicians are frequently asked to assess the risks presented by patients making threats to kill, but there are almost no data to guide such an evaluation. This data linkage study examined serious violence following making threats to kill and the potential role of mental disorder. A total of 613 in iduals convicted of threats to kill had their prior contact with public mental health services established at the time of the index offence. The group's subsequent criminal convictions were established 10 years later using the police database. Death from suicidal or homicidal violence was also established. Within 10 years, 44% of threateners were convicted of further violent offending, including 19 (3%) homicides. Those with histories of psychiatric contact (40%) had a higher rate (58%) of subsequent violence. The highest risks were in substance misusers, mentally disordered, young, and those without prior criminal convictions. Homicidal violence was most frequent among threateners with a schizophrenic illness. Sixteen threateners (2.6%) killed themselves, and three were murdered. In contrast to the claims in the literature that threats are not predictive of subsequent violence, this study revealed high rates of assault and even homicide following threats to kill. The mentally disordered were over-represented among threat offenders and among those at high risk of subsequent violence. The mentally disordered threateners at highest risk of violence were young, substance abusing, but not necessarily with prior convictions. Those who threaten others were also found to be at greater risk of killing themselves or being killed.
Changes in the prevalence and nature of violent crime by youth in Victoria, Australia
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-08-2015
Crime and victimisation in people with intellectual disability: A case linkage study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-05-2016
Procedural justice in contacts with the police: The perspective of victims of crime
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-2012
Clarifying the characteristics of youth who have engaged in appetitive violence
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-07-2014
Bipolar disorder and criminal offending: A data linkage study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-05-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S00127-014-0882-4
Abstract: The current study explored criminal offending among people diagnosed with bipolar disorder with and without comorbid substance use and compared this with a community s le with no history of bipolar disorder. A case-linkage design was used to compare patterns of officially recorded criminal offending between 1,076 people with bipolar disorder drawn from a state-wide psychiatric case register with a community comparison group. Those with bipolar disorder were significantly more likely than community members to be charged with, convicted of, and be found guilty of, violent, non-violent and intermediate level criminal offences. Those with a comorbid substance use disorder were two times more likely than those without a substance use disorder to offend both groups had a significantly higher chance of offending than the community s le. Females with bipolar disorder were significantly more likely to have been convicted of violent offences, irrespective of substance use. Significant interactions were found between bipolar disorder and substance use for males and females with respect to violent offending and for males with respect to non-violent offending. There is a statistically significant association between bipolar disorder and the likelihood of having a criminal history. Co-occurring substance use differentially impacts on the likelihood of criminal offending for males and females.
Striking the Right Balance: Police Experience, Perceptions and Use of Independent Support Persons During Interviews Involving People with Intellectual Disability
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-11-2018
DOI: 10.1111/JAR.12297
Abstract: Several jurisdictions mandate the presence of an independent support person during police interviews with vulnerable people. The current study investigated police officers' experiences and perceptions of these volunteers during interviews with people with intellectual disability(ies) (ID). The s le comprised 229 police officers who attended a mandatory firearms training course in Melbourne, Australia, in 2010. Participants commonly reported utilizing independent support persons and displayed a fair understanding of their role. Overall, volunteers were engaged more frequently than family/friends police considered the volunteers to be more impartial during interviews, whereas family/friends provided a greater level of emotional support to interviewees. Independent support persons need to demonstrate two quite different types of support to people with intellectual disability(ies) during police interviews these require quite different skill sets and suggest the need for more tailored training and support for these volunteers. Implications for future research and policy are discussed.
Psychologists' perceptions of legal and ethical requirements for breaching confidentiality
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 27-08-2008
Criminal attitudes and psychopathic personality attributes of youth gang offenders in Singapore
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-03-2013
A mixed methods study of the mental health and criminal justice histories of missing persons
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 31-08-2017
Populations at special health risk: Displaced populations
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2008
Are Australian prisons meeting the needs of Indigenous offenders?
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2016
A focus for mental health training for police
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 12-06-2017
DOI: 10.1108/JCRPP-01-2017-0005
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to propose a focus for mental health training efforts to better equip officers to provide interventions and supports to help facilitate improved outcomes for people experiencing mental health crises. A reflection on key evidence relating to mental health training programmes delivered to police, focussing on Australia, the USA and Canada. While there are a number of similarities in the core content of mental health training programmes offered internationally, the availability and uptake of training across jurisdictions remains piecemeal and idiosyncratic. Police officers report a strong preference for hands-on experiential learning this has immediate and direct relevance to their operational duties, and is consistent with core principles of andragogy. While all police employees require mental health training, specialised mental health training programmes should clearly be reserved for a select group of officers who volunteer after acquiring sufficient operational experience. Priorities should centre on measuring the effectiveness of mental health training packages and discerning the active elements associated with changes in police skills and confidence, as well as identifying elements that support improved outcomes for people who experience mental illness and who have contact with the police. Police need to continue to need to seek legitimacy with respect to their guardianship role as mental health interventionists. Training should tap into practice-based wisdom. Training should be practical, applied and reinforced through wider knowledge-based learning and workplace reinforcement. Training is needed for everyone, but specialised training is not for all. Police need to focus on the partnerships and expend time, energy and resources to maintain and grow them. Specialist (and other forms of) training needs to be evaluated so we understand what works? There may be opportunities to streamline the delivery of knowledge-based aspects of mental health training and focus much more on experiential learning, both in specialised training courses as well as shorter mental health awareness sessions.
Police perceptions of their encounters with individuals experiencing mental illness: A Victorian survey
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 08-2011
Abstract: Objectives: Police have long played a central role in the management of people experiencing mental illness. This study explored: (1) the frequency of contact between the police and people experiencing mental illness (2) the way in which police officers’ knowledge and the sources of information used relates to various dispositions (3) the signs, symptoms and behaviours that police officers consider are associated with mental illness and (4) the challenges police face in this respect when performing their duties. Method: A survey was completed by 3,534 police officers in Victoria, Australia. Canonical correlations were used to explore the ‘approach styles’ of police when responding to people with a mental illness. Thematic analyses, based on grounded theory, were utilized to examine and code open-ended responses. Results/conclusions: Police reported that a considerable amount of their time each week was spent dealing with people they believed to be mentally ill. These encounters were reportedly associated with considerable practical difficulties for police, both in terms of knowing how to deal with people experiencing mental illness and how to best find appropriate supports for them. The most common results of their encounters were instigating a mental health apprehension, followed by arrest, but decision-making was influenced by the differential weight police placed on different sources of information received at the scene. Recommendations for police training, while based on practical wisdom, need to be multi-modal and should engage mental health experts in design and delivery.
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University Of London
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Related Funding Activities
Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP0990157
Start Date: 08-2010
End Date: 01-2016
Amount: $176,206.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityDiscovery Projects - Grant ID: DP1092526
Start Date: 2010
End Date: 12-2012
Amount: $170,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityLinkage Projects - Grant ID: LP0774829
Start Date: 02-2007
End Date: 12-2011
Amount: $708,347.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityLinkage Projects - Grant ID: LP0883295
Start Date: 2009
End Date: 06-2012
Amount: $188,803.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityLinkage Projects - Grant ID: LP130100920
Start Date: 03-2014
End Date: 12-2014
Amount: $460,519.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityLinkage Projects - Grant ID: LP190100247
Start Date: 01-2021
End Date: 06-2024
Amount: $567,500.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity