SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 451 records · Page 25Linked to original sources

PubMed2006

[Prevalence of psychiatric disorders, psychopathology, and the need for treatment in female and male prisoners].

BACKGROUND: While the international literature documents a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders in prisoners, German studies in this field are rare. The base of knowledge is even worse with regard to female prisoners. The purpose of this study was to investigate DSM-IV axis I and II psychiatric disorders and current psychopathology and to estimate treatment needs in prisoners. SAMPLE AND METHODS: On the 1st of May 2002, all female prisoners in Brackwede I Prison in Bielefeld, Germany, were included; and a sample of incarcerated men was matched according to age, nationality, and length of stay. Sixty-three women and 76 men participated. Criminal history and current living conditions were investigated using a questionnaire and prison documents. Psychopathology and psychiatric disorders were investigated using structured clinical interviews. RESULTS: In 88.2% of the sample, at least one current axis I (83.5%) and/or axis II personality disorder (53.2%) was found. Comorbidity rates were high, with 3.5+/-2.7 diagnoses per case. Mean SCL scores revealed a substantial psychopathologic burden. In female prisoners, opiate-related and polysubstance use disorders and affective and post-traumatic stress disorders were more frequent than in the male subsample, which in turn showed higher rates of alcohol-related disorders. Specific treatment needs were indicated in 83.4% of the sample. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the proportion of mentally ill persons in prisons is substantially higher than in specialized hospitals for mentally ill criminals. More treatment options are urgently needed than has been realized up to now.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Punishment goals of crime victims.

Research on subjective punishment goals has focused on the perspective of third-party observers of criminal offenses and neglected the perspective of victims. This study investigates punishment goals among 174 adult crime victims (rape and nonsexual assault) for each participant's real criminal case. Scales measuring support for punishment goals are constructed by factor analysis of an 18-item list. Results show that 5 highly supported goals can be distinguished: retaliation, recognition of victim status, confirmation of societal values, victim security, and societal security. Analysis of relations between punishment goal scales and personal variables, situational variables, and demanded punishment severity corroborates the view that the punishment goals revealed can be classified according to the two independent dichotomies of moral versus instrumental goals, and micro versus macro goals.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Drug use history and criminal behavior among 133 incarcerated men.

The present study investigated the relationship between crime and substance abuse in a sample of 133 consecutively evaluated male prisoners. Using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R, we assessed the prevalence of various forms of substance abuse in this population and attempted to judge whether substance abuse played a role in the index crime which has led to the present incarceration. In addition, we assessed whether there was a relationship between the nature of substance dependence and the type of crime committed, whether sexual, violent, or non-violent. Among the 133 prisoners, 95% obtained a diagnosis of dependence on one or more substances. Fifty-eight percent of the inmates reported that they were acutely intoxicated with one or more substances at the time they committed the index crime and an additional 6% were withdrawing from a substance at the time of the crime. There was no significant correlation between the type of substance abuse diagnosis and the type of crime committed. Similarly, there was no significant correlation between the number of individuals who reported they were intoxicated at the time of the offense and the type of crime committed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Monoamine oxidase activity and tri-iodothyronine level in violent offenders with early behavioural problems.

The focus is on evaluating the relationships between early behavioural problems and biochemical variables at adult age and their significance for early criminality and violent behaviour in a life perspective. In the present study, using prospective longitudinal data, a sample of males with a history of early criminal behaviour and male controls (n = 103) were investigated concerning (1) teacher-rated behaviours at age 11-14 years; (2) platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and tri-iodothyronine (T(3)) level at adult age; (3) registered early criminality (11-14 years); (4) records of violent offending up to age 35 years, and (5) interview data on smoking. The main finding was that a combined risk level pattern of low MAO activity and high T(3) level was found significantly more frequently than expected in violent offenders with an early behavioural risk pattern. Furthermore, there was a significant interaction effect between early attention difficulties and smoking on MAO activity, as well as an effect by smoking on MAO activity. The findings are discussed in terms of the possible influence of biological vulnerability to certain behaviours, which in combination with possible childhood stress, enhance the risk for antisocial behaviours and subsequent violence.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Criminal justice coercion in the treatment of alcohol problems: an examination of two client subgroups.

An increasing number of individuals are being referred to alcohol treatment programs under coercion from the criminal justice system. While a substantial number of investigations have addressed coercive treatment for illicit drug-related offenses, fewer studies have focused on mandated treatment for alcohol-related problems. This article examines the treatment of two subgroups of clients coerced into alcohol treatment from criminal justice institutions. The article begins with an overview of the literature on clients coerced into treatment as a result of "driving under the influence" (DUI) charges. The characteristics of a subgroup that has received less attention are then described: lower socioeconomic clients who are coerced into alcohol treatment from the courts for non-DUI offenses, such as public inebriation, disorderly conduct, trespassing, assault, and theft. This subgroup of non-DUI coerced-treatment offenders depends primarily upon underfunded public services, although their treatment requires careful assessment and triage for multiple problem areas. The article addresses some potential political and economic roadblocks to comprehensive treatment and closes with questions and recommendations for further research.

Alcoholism↗

PubMed2006

Criminal offenders residing in long-term care facilities.

As a result of its investigative analysis, A Perfect Cause is attempting to heighten awareness of this significant issue confronting the disabled and elderly living in America's long-term facilities. This includes confronting the many related myths such as the belief that elderly offenders and disabled and incapacitated offenders do not pose a threat, that child molesters do not pose a threat to disabled adults or elderly residents, that only sex offenders pose a threat, and that nursing homes are not capable of housing criminal offenders with nonoffenders. Additional awareness and investigation is urgently needed to facilitate policy changes at all levels. Such action will help ensure the safety of facility residents who are currently at ongoing risk.

Aged↗

PubMed1984

The relationship between criminal conviction and interrogative suggestibility among delinquent boys.

This study investigates the relationship between interrogative suggestibility, as measured by the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale (GSS), and number of previous convictions among 35 delinquent boys. The GSS measures two independent aspects of suggestibility. First, the extent to which subjects give in to suggestive questions. Second, the extent to which subjects give in to interpersonal pressure given in the form of critical feedback about test performance. The number of convictions were found to correlate negatively with the latter aspect of interrogative suggestibility, but not significantly with the former.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Internal investigations: a proactive approach to compliance.

Healthcare financial managers increasingly are recognizing that internal investigations can uncover and help correct improper activities before they attract government attention, as well as reveal valuable facts about any questionable activities that may be the target of a government inquiry. An organization that exhibits a high level of responsibility by undertaking a thorough internal investigation of possible improper activities may reduce or eliminate civil or criminal sanctions the government can impose if the organization is found guilty of improprieties. Furthermore, an internal investigation can preserve the organization's integrity and reaffirm its commitment to high ethical standards and sound business practices.

Ethics, Institutional↗

PubMed1996

System influences on posthomicide beliefs and distress.

Criminal justice system experiences in 150 family members of homicide victims were investigated. The study had two goals: (a) to document the experiences of homicide survivors in the criminal justice system, including case outcomes, criminal justice system activities, and satisfaction with system personnel; and (b) to determine if experiences with the police impacted posthomicide beliefs (cognitive assumptions about the world and one's relationship to it) and psychological distress. The sample, which was identified through the Medical Examiner's Office, was drawn from all criminal homicides from 1.5 to 5 years prior to selection. Results showed that family members of homicide victims were very dissatisfied with their experiences in the criminal justice system. Additionally, whereas objective system outcomes (e.g., arrest) did not directly affect posthomicide beliefs and distress, subjective system outcomes (e.g., police satisfaction) directly affected beliefs and indirectly affected distress. There was some support for both equity theory and a cognitive theory of change, the two theories that guided the model specification.

Cognition↗

PubMed1997

Suicidal behavior among Finnish fire setters.

Histories of serious suicide attempts and slashing were investigated among Finnish fire setters. Medical and criminal records of 304 fire setters were examined to compare those who had attempted suicide with those who had not, and those who had slashed themselves with those who had not using biological, diagnostic, and demographic variables. Major mood disorders, father's alcoholism, and suicidal motive of fire setting (self-immolation) were significantly associated with suicide attempts. Paternal violent alcoholism, father's criminality, and suicidal motive of fire setting were significantly associated with slashing. Among fire setters, non-lethal slashing is a predictor of serious suicidality. Associations between psychiatric diagnoses, family history, and suicidality among fire setters are similar to those reported for suicidal patients with mood and substance abuse diagnoses. Therefore, studying fire setters, who exhibit an extremely high incidence of suicidal behavior, is an effective way to elucidate psychobiology of suicidal behaviors.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Gender differences in street economy and social network correlates of arrest among heroin injectors in Baltimore, Maryland.

In a sample of 761 heroin injectors in Baltimore, Maryland, correlates of arrest for drug-related and non-drug-related criminal offenses, by gender, were examined. This investigation examined gender differences in involvement in the drug economy and correlates of arrest. Correlates included roles in the street drug economy, social network attributes, and economic and demographic variables. Gender differences were found. Selling drugs was strongly associated with drug-related arrests for males. Steering (i.e., publicizing drug brands) was highly associated with drug-related arrests for females. Level of heroin addiction was associated with drug-related arrests for males, but not for females. The associations of social network variables with arrests also differed by gender. For females but not males, a higher number of females in one's network was associated with a lower frequency of arrests. For males, having at least one heroin injector in the personal network was associated with a decreased frequency of arrest, while for females the direction of the association was reversed. These findings suggest the importance of modeling drug behaviors by gender.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Psychiatric evidence: a study of psychological issues.

This article discusses the nature of psychiatric evidence in Icelandic criminal proceedings and presents findings from an investigation of the role of amnesia, malingering and overcontrolled hostility among different types of offenders. Amnesia was most common in homicide cases, and was almost invariably associated with alcohol intoxication. An unexpectedly high rate of overcontrolled hostility was found among sex offenders, which may have important theoretical and clinical implications. The results indicate that deliberate faking of an intellectual deficit on psychometric tests occurs rarely in a forensic context.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Exploiting the informativity of 'meaningless' simple repetitive DNA from indirect gene diagnosis to multilocus genome scanning.

Most eukaryotic genomes are characterized by excessively large amounts of non-coding DNA sequences among which redundant (repetitive) elements constitute a sizable portion. The functional role of an abundant subclass of repetitive sequences--simple, tandemly arranged repeats--remained mysterious so far. Even the biological meaning of most of these elements appears quite refractory to present-day techniques in molecular genetics. Notwithstanding simple repetitive sequences have been developed into superb tools for various aspects of eukaryotic genome research: Using oligonucleotide probes carrying simple repeat motifs multilocus DNA fingerprinting can be applied for individual identification and genetic relationship analyses in plants, animals and humans. Microsatellite analyses via polymerase chain reaction of simple repeat blocks allow for efficient investigations of such divers subject matters as criminal stains, detailed genome maps and indirect gene diagnoses.

Communicable Diseases↗

PubMed2003

[Forensic genetics].

The review first summarizes the molecular biology methods used in forensic genetics in Denmark. In criminal cases, there is international consensus about investigation of Short Tandem Repeat (STR)-regions with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)based methods that are standardised through international collaboration. In paternity and immigration cases, investigations are performed of both STR-regions with PCR-based methods and of variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR)-regions with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-technique. Thereafter some of the most promising areas of research and development in forensic genetics are described, including investigations of still smaller amounts of DNA from biological traces, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) used for identification, identification of factors that can contribute to information about physical traits, and farmacogenetic investigations.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2004

The significance of pulmonary interstitial emphysema in live birth determination.

The utility of pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) in live birth determination is not well established. Because the distinction between live birth and stillbirth may be important in criminal proceedings, we undertook this study to investigate the relationship between the histologic finding of PIE and live birth. Sixty-six cases of infant death were retrieved and compared with 21 stillborn infants. Histologic sections of the lungs were characterized as "florid PIE," "equivocal PIE," or "absent PIE." Sixteen cases of florid PIE were identified, all in live born infants. Forty-seven cases of equivocal PIE were found in 36 live born and 11 stillborn infants. In 24 cases (14 live born infants and 10 stillborns), no PIE was identified. We examined the relationship between florid PIE in infants with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or "sudden unexpected death in infancy, manner undetermined" (SUDI), and also its relationship to other variables. No association was found. The presence of equivocal PIE may be an artifact of tissue processing. Florid PIE is found only in live born infants. No correlation between the presence of florid PIE and cause of death could be determined.

Female↗

PubMed1998

[A study on methamphetamine psychosis in a psychiatric clinic--comparison of acute and chronic-type cases].

This study compares patients with acute methamphetamine psychosis to those with chronic methamphetamine psychosis and it investigates how the two groups differ in terms of psychosomatic findings, social background, and so on. The subjects consisted of 100 outpatients diagnosed at our clinic as having methamphetamine-induced psychosis over a period of sixteen years (1979 to 1995). Of these patients, 73 were of the acute type (currently using the drug or totally abstinent for less than 3 months), and 27 were of the chronic type (totally abstinent from the drug from 2 to 38 years). Psychosomatic Findings Ninety five patients (68 acute-type and 27 chronic-type) were classified into six clinical clusters, depending on which of the following states was dominant: paranoid-hallucinatory state, schizophrenia-like state, short-tempered and impulsive state, manic-depression-like state, neurosis-like state, and permanent-encephalopathic state. In the clinical cluster of paranoid-hallucinatory state, all 32 patients were of the acute-type. On the other hand, of those patients in the clinical cluster of neurosis-like state, the majority (N = 25) were of the chronic-type. Social Background The social background of 99 patients (72 acute-type and 27 chronic-type) was investigated under the three headings of: gangsters, criminal records and broken families. Of 19 patients who are gangsters, 18 cases were acute and the remaining case was chronic. Of 64 patients with criminal records, 51 were acute and 13 were chronic. Of 24 patients who come from broken families, 20 were acute and 4 were chronic. In all of these three items, the rate of acute-type patients was significantly higher than that of chronic-type patients. Based on the results obtained, the medical treatment and the prognosis of the patients, the author refers to preventive measures for stimulant-drug abuse.

Acute Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[White-collar criminals--a homogenous offender population? Reflections on typical and atypical "white-collar criminals"].

Little has been written in German scientific literature on the personality structure of white-collar criminals. Often, the relevance of this level of investigation has downright been denied. Conventional psychopathology does not seem to be an appropriate approach to these character problems since there are not only deficits but also competences to be found which are useful while making a professional career. The author points out the inhomogeneity of this offender population and presents a case report of an atypical white-collar criminal. Over and above that, he introduces two psychological concepts which are apt to better describe the peculiarities of these individuals: Machiavellian intelligence is often the core competence when it comes to rising in hierarchies, whereas the newly defined psychopathy concept according to R. D. Hare makes plausible the moral and ethical failure of these offenders in their professional settings.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Epidemiological investigations of the associations between major mental disorders and crime: methodological limitations and validity of the conclusions.

Five epidemiological investigations of post-World War II birth cohorts have examined the relation between major mental disorders and criminality. This article critically reviews the objectives, methodology and findings of these investigations. The validity of the results is assessed as are the limitations which restrict their interpretation. It is concluded that persons who develop major mental disorders are at increased risk across the lifespan of committing both non-violent and violent crimes. However, this increased risk may be limited to generations of persons with major mental disorders born in the late 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. It is hypothesized that these generations of persons with major mental disorders have received inappropriate and inadequate mental health care and that they include a larger proportion of individuals than previous and perhaps subsequent generations, who display a pattern of stable antisocial behaviour from childhood through adulthood.

Adolescent↗