NCJ Number
145909
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 38 Issue: 6 Dated: (November 1993) Pages: 1436-1440
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A study and case history examine issues in the employment of persons with histories of psychosis as security guards.
Abstract
The study used chart reviews of admissions to an open psychiatric unit over 1 year. Histories of employment and aggression were routinely collected during initial assessment. Demographic data and information on psychiatric symptoms were also obtained. Patients were diagnosed according to DSM-III-R criteria. The sample contained 15 males (nine blacks, six whites). Thirteen met DSM-III-R criteria for schizophrenia, paranoid type and two for schizoaffective disorder. The eight who reported having hallucinations and paranoid delusions while on their most recent security guard job also had a history of aggressive behaviors before becoming security guards. Only four reported taking psychotropic medications while working as security guards. The job sites for the individuals in the study included busy stores (n=10), industrial plants (n=3), an immigration camp (n=1), and a college (n=1). Eight reported a history of aggression. Because of the potentially stressful nature of the security- guard occupation, the possibility that weapons may be carried, and possible medication noncompliance by psychotic patients, psychiatric evaluation may be necessary for those who apply to work in the more stressful security-guard positions. Psychotic patients who currently work as security guards merit careful monitoring and vocational counseling. 8 references