NCJ Number
155824
Date Published
1992
Length
71 pages
Annotation
This research examined the work of police surgeons, with particular emphasis on their role in relation to the operation of criminal justice in England and Wales. Police surgeons working in stations in London are referred to as forensic medical examiners.
Abstract
Data were collected from financial and other forms completed by doctors, interviews with custody officers, custody records, and interviews with police surgeons. Over 80 percent of all police surgeon work entails examining prisoners who are detained in a police station in relation to illness, injury, and intoxication; drug related problems; and mental disorders. Other duties include examining police officers, examining victims, and certifying causes of death. This report describes changes in the work of police surgeons, the present day pattern of work, training of police surgeons, confidentiality and consent, and other issues.