NCJ Number
92540
Journal
Medicine, Science and the Law Volume: 23 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1983) Pages: 283-289
Date Published
1983
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study surveyed 21 sheriffs and 24 psychiatrists regarding 73 cases in which sheriffs had made requests for psychiatric reports on offenders.
Abstract
The questionnaire explored the reasons for seeking the psychiatric report, whether the report proved helpful, whether the report's recommendations had been accepted, and why. In addition, sheriffs were asked to indicate case disposition; data were collected on age and sex of offenders, the nature of the offense and the psychiatric diagnosis. In a second stage of the study, interviews were held with sheriffs and doctors to elicit their views on appropriate reasons for seeking reports and on the way such reports should be written and used. Personality disorder and alcohol dependence accounted for 45 of the total diagnoses. A treatment element was incorporated into 35 of the dispositions. Reasons cited for requesting reports included nature of the offense, offender behavior at court, drug or alcohol abuse history, sheriffs' need for help in making disposition, and offender age. It is concluded that better interaction between the two professional groups could be fostered by accompanying every request with a statement of reasons for making it and providing psychiatrists with background information on offenders. Furthermore, psychiatrists should formulate reports for easier use and understanding by sheriffs and develop a better understanding of court procedures. Meetings between the two professional groups are recommended. Tabular data are provided.