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PubMed1997

Identifying positive dissimulation by substance-abusing individuals on the Personality Assessment Inventory: a cross-validation study.

The accuracy of a classification equation (which combined scores on the Drug Problems, Alcohol Problems, and Positive Impression scales from the Personality Assessment Inventory [PAI], Morey, 1991), developed by Fals-Stewart (1996) to identify test-taking response sets among substance-abusing individuals, was evaluated. As in the Fals-Stewart (1996) study, three groups of participants completing the PAI were assessed: (a) substance-abusing patients administered the inventory under standard instructions (n = 25); (b) substance-abusing patients asked to respond defensively (n = 25) combined with a group of individuals suspected of abusing drugs, referred for an evaluation by the criminal justice system, who had reasons to conceal their drug use (n = 25); and (c) non-substance-abusing respondents administered the test under standard instructions (n = 25). Significant validity shrinkage in the classification equation was found when applied to the new sample; only 68% of participants were correctly classified into their respective groups, compared to 82% of participants correctly assigned in the Fals-Stewart (1996) investigation.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

[Aspects of criminal participation in suicide].

The authors' aim was to draw attention to the problem of participation in suicide. Suicide associated with penal responsibility is infrequent, the authors assume, however, that it deserves more attention. When elucidating the background and objective circumstances of suicide, the detection and evidence of participation in suicide is a very difficult and responsible task. Participation in suicide is not necessarily obvious and easy to prove at first. Based on their own experience assembled during an aimed analysis of 934 cases of suicide the authors draw attention to risk situations when investigation of possible participation is justified. Obtaining more accurate and extensive information, more active detection of people responsible for this criminal activity and their punishment is according to the authors important for the prevention of suicides.

Crime↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Psychiatric reports for Nigerian courts: an analysis of the views of the bench.

The views of magistrates and judges serving in Ogun State of Nigeria were assessed by means of an anonymous questionnaire. The latter sought such views on the psychiatric reports which they had previously received as well as what they considered useful information for inclusion in such reports. The response rate was 83%. The results suggest that psychiatric reports are thoroughly read by magistrates and judges and they are useful in the courts decision-making process. They viewed comments on "fitness to plead," "criminal responsibility" and "dangerousness" as quite useful information for the courts but these were at times missing in psychiatric reports. Also the majority were of the view that psychiatric reports were usually delayed, thus prolonging the trial of mentally abnormal offenders. The reason for this were cursorily highlighted and suggestions for speedier trials proffered. Finally, the authors provided a guide on information regarded as "useful" by these Nigerian courts and stressed the need for further investigation of the subject.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Criminality among individuals testing positive for the presence of anabolic androgenic steroids.

CONTEXT: Observations suggest that the use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) may trigger uncontrolled, violent rage. Other observations indicate that certain groups of criminals may use AAS with the intention of being capable of committing crime more efficiently. OBJECTIVE: To examine the proposed association between the use of AAS and criminality. DESIGN: A controlled retrospective cohort study of registered criminal activity among individuals tested for AAS use during the period of January 1, 1995, to December 31, 2001. SETTING: All individuals in Sweden who were tested for AAS use during this period. These individuals were referred for testing from both inpatient and outpatient clinics as well as from centers for treatment of substance abuse. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals testing positive for AAS (n=241), with those testing negative for AAS during the same period (n=1199) serving as the control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The ratios (expressed as relative risk [RR]) of the incidences of several categories of crime in the 2 study groups. RESULTS: The risk of having been convicted for a weapons offense or fraud was higher among individuals testing positive for AAS than among those testing negative (RR, 2.090 and 1.511, respectively; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.589-2.749 and 1.208-1.891, respectively) whereas there were no significant differences with respect to violent crimes (RR, 1.116; 95% CI, 0.981-1.269) or crimes against property (RR, 0.942; 95% CI, 0.850-1.044). When patients referred from substance abuse centers were excluded, a lower risk for crimes against property was observed for the individuals who tested positive for AAS (RR, 0.761; 95% CI, 0.649-0.893) and the risk for fraud in the 2 groups was equalized (RR, 1.117; 95% CI, 0.764-1.635). The increased risk for a weapons offense among the individuals testing positive for AAS remained virtually unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the impulsive violent behavior previously shown to be related to AAS use, such use might also be associated with an antisocial lifestyle involving various types of criminality. However, the existence and nature of this possible association remain unclear and call for further investigation.

Adult↗

PubMed1981

A general review of bite-mark evidence.

Bite-mark evidence has been used as an aid in the identification of criminals in many instances. The author, a forensic odontologist in Liverpool, England, during his lifetime, personally investigated the cases presented which include instances of rape and battery. It is shown how perpetrators of violent injuries were detected from bite marks on the victim or the perpetrator, or on foodstuffs found at the scene of the crime, when the marks were compared to dental impressions taken subsequently.

Battered Child Syndrome↗

PubMedDate not supplied

School extracurricular activity participation as a moderator in the development of antisocial patterns.

This research involves a longitudinal study of antecedents and moderators in the development of antisocial patterns. Participants included 695 boys and girls who were interviewed annually from childhood to the end of high school and again at ages 20 and 24. Cluster analyses identified four configurations of boys and girls that were reasonably homogeneous with respect to behavior and academic performance at the beginning of the investigation. When tracked over time, the configurations differed significantly in patterns of early school dropout and criminal arrests. Boys and girls in the "multiple risk configuration" were more likely than those in other configurations to show long-term antisocial patterns. Participation in school extracurricular activities was associated with reduced rates of early dropout and criminal arrest among high-risk boys and girls. The decline in antisocial patterns was dependent on whether the individuals' social network also participated in school extracurricular activities.

Adult↗

PubMed1977

Moral judgement and moral conduct in the psychopath.

The relationship between moral conduct and moral judgment was investigated by comparing moral reasoning of a psychopathic sample from a maximum security hospital for the criminal offender with a similar inmate, nonpsychopathic sample, and a group of "normals". Psychopaths obtained significantly higher scores on the Kohlberg scale of moral judgment than either of the other groups, for whom no differences were found. Results suggest the hypothesis that lack of guilt feelings in psychopaths facilitate the achievement of higher levels of moral judgment.

Antisocial Personality Disorder↗

PubMed2006

Traumatic events, PTSD, and psychiatric comorbidity in forensic patients--assessed by questionnaires and diagnostic interview.

BACKGROUND: Relationships between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), comorbid illness and experiences of traumatic stressors have been reported for large and different groups. The present study investigated this relationship specifically for patients with psychiatric disorders admitted to a forensic ward because of criminal behavior. METHODS: In sixteen German and fifteen Sudanese forensic patients the prevalence of PTSD and comorbid symptoms of anxiety and depression were assessed and related to traumatic experiences, emotional distress, and stressful life events over four developmental periods. RESULTS: In the total sample, subjects had experienced an average of five traumatic events, the first one occurring early in childhood, and 39% met criteria of current, 55% of lifetime PTSD, the diagnosis being more likely in patients with a greater number of reported traumatic experiences. Neglect and emotional abuse in childhood were associated with current PTSD diagnosis. As reported for other populations, comorbid symptoms were frequent with 60% of the sample displaying comorbid anxiety symptoms and 64% comorbid depression. PTSD and comorbidity did not differ between cultures. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that forensic patients experience multiple traumatic events, usually beginning early in development, so that the assessment of PTSD and comorbid anxiety and depression is recommended for the clinical evaluation. Further studies have to substantiate, whether traumatic stress during developmental stages interact with other factors leading to routes of forensic psychopathology.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2004

Evaluation of 5-(4-nitrophenyl)-2,4-pentadien-1-al (NPPD) as a tracer for shadowing pursuits.

The chemical compound 5-(4-nitrophenyl)-2,4-pentadien-1-al (NPPD), called "spy dust," was used in the Soviet Union as a shadowing pursuit, the act of following someone secretly, for investigating the activities of diplomatic personnel. It is also useful for counter-terrorism, and some criminal cases in the forensic science field. In this paper, it was synthesized and evaluated as a tracer for shadowing pursuits. The method for utilizing this reagent was very simple: it was dissolved in methanol (1 mg/mL) and sprayed on the restricted area. If the suspect was to enter this area or touched the sprayed material, NPPD was attached to the suspect's shoe surface or hands. The color examination was a two-steps process: first was the addition of 1 mL of a 0.1% naphthoresorcinol methanol solution to the methanol extracts of a methanol-contained cotton swab used to smear some surfaces of the suspect, and second, the addition of 1 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid, which turned the solution dark red. The gamma max of the colored solution was 510 nm, measured by ultraviolet-vis spectroscopy. Detection limits for three methods were determined: a visual method (detection limit 100 ng/3 mL), an ultraviolet-visible spectrometric method (detection limit 10 ng/3 mL), and a selected-ion-monitoring gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric method (detection limit 300 pg/injection). The forensic utility of NPPD was demonstrated for two simulated cases: a theft case and a case where NPPD was used as a tracer to prove that an automobile had entered a restricted area. These examinations prove NPPD is a useful shadowing pursuit (spy dust) for the forensic science field.

Chromatography, Gas↗

PubMed1980

[Aspects of family structure, psychosocial stress and economic achievement: a cross cultural comparison].

For the European countries data giving insight into the situation of the family have been collected on a very broad basis. Data for 4 cross-sections in the period 1950 to 1970 are investigated. Comparing indicators for the family situation with data for socio-psychological stress (suicide rates, criminality and murder rates) a very close relationship between these variables becomes apparent: better interpersonal relations, larger and more stable family units, fewer early sexual activity, etc. is related to less socio-psychological stress. It could be shown, moreover, that the economic performance of the countries is related to their family situation. A strategic variable in this complex system of relations is achievement motivation. In the long run an equilibrium between system orientation and valuation of the family life should be arrived at.

Achievement↗

PubMed1995

[Delimiting the age of criminal responsibility (section 3 of the juvenile court act) from legal innocence and diminished responsibility (sections 20, 21 of the criminal code) from the adolescent psychiatry viewpoint].

Distinguishing section 3 Juvenile Court Act (JGG) from sections 20, 21 Criminal Code (StGB) can cause some serious problems from time to time, the consequences for the investigated juveniles are then often also serious. The basis for the legal decisions are shown as well as the commentaries written on them which are partly contradicting. With the aid of five examples out of the practice of a child psychiatric expert decision criteria as a guide for an appropriate judgement are developed and discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Hair: a powerful biological marker for exposure to xenobiotics].

Human hair analysis is now recognized for evaluating someone exposure to xenobiotics: drugs of abuse, pharmaceuticals and polluants. This paper describes analytical methods than can be used by biologists. For drugs of abuse after decontamination, hydrolysis of hair, selective extraction and derivatization, determinations are performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Calibration uses deuterated standards. The cut-off value is 0.5 ng/mg for 6-monoacetylmorphine (heroin) and amphetamines and a benzoylecgonine/cocaine ratio > 0.05 for cocaine. Measurement of metabolites from endogenous metabolism sign the exposure (6-monoacetylmorphine and morphine for heroin, benzoylecgonine for cocaine, delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol carboxylic by-product for cannabis). For drugs, after selective extraction, determinations are performed by GC/MS or liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector. Main applications concern drug monitoring to complement blood determinations or when blood collection is missing, as evidence of hidden, illicit or criminal drug exposure. Finally it is a powerfull tool for clinical diagnosis especially when late biological investigations are performed.

Biomarkers↗

PubMed1999

[Strategy for investigation of forensic autopsy cases where drugs or poisonous substances are involved].

In recent years, the number of drug- or toxin-related criminal cases has gradually increased, and accordingly the establishment of precise forensic autopsy examinations and appropriate chemical analysis is of urgent importance so that such cases are not overlooked. To this end, the author has set up a general instructional objective comprising "preparation of the most suitable analytical procedures for elucidation of drug- and/or poison-related cases in a forensic medicine laboratory". Specific objectives within the general instructional objective consist of the following: 1) securing adequate manpower, 2) swift acquisition and accumulation of the latest scientific information, 3) sufficient examinations during forensic autopsy, 4) appropriate collection and storage of human tissues, 5) enforcement of preliminary tests and routine examinations, 6) selection of proper analytical procedures and instruments for qualitative and quantitative analysis, 7) establishment of reliable quantitative analysis, 8) signification of quantitative data, 9) preparation of an accurate analytical report. In our laboratory, we have been able to analyze many kinds of acidic and basic substances as well as volatile hydrocarbons, alcohol and carboxyhemoglobin through the use of absorptimetry, gas chromatography, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography, however it is thought that more skillful techniques should be developed as soon as possible with regard to the analysis of inorganic and water-soluble agents.

Autopsy↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Collecting insects, spiders and crustaceans for criminal forensic study].

Use of entomological evidence in medico-legal questions allows a wide range of applications, e.g. estimation of postmortem intervals, investigation of taking away a corpse to another location and many others. An important point is to store and eventually breed carrion-associated arthropods in the right way. As a rule all arthropods should be stored cool in 70% ethanol at the crime scene to allow subsequent species determination. Basic breeding instructions are outlined, two breeding devices are described, and an overview on useful literature is given.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

[Forensic psychiatric patients--diagnosis, criminality and sanctions].

During the last few years the number of persons who in connection with a breach of the penal code have been sentenced to psychiatric treatment has increased considerably. The case records of 38 such psychiatric patients have been reviewed with focus on diagnostic dispersion, patterns of abuse of alcohol and/or drugs and of crime. A majority of the patients (87%) had formerly been in contact with the psychiatric treatment system. At their latest psychiatric contact many (68%) were diagnosed as schizophrenic and were found to be involved in serious abuse of alcohol and drugs. The crimes committed consisted to a large extent of either real or potential injury to other persons. An unexpectedly large number of the patients had for a shorter or longer time been detained in custody. The examined criminal psychiatric clientele constitutes a strained group with a serious psycho-pathology and with a high frequency of alcohol or drug abuse. More extensive investigations of these patients and possibly also of the effects of their pre-trial detention would be desirable.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

[Measuring depression of prisoners].

On the basis of a sample of 125 adult criminal offenders and 66 students, the use of the abriged BDI as a depression screening device for felons is explored. The investigation confirms the high consistency and item-total correlations of the BDI. The factorial validity is doubtful. Only the first factor may be reidentified in different samples. A high percentage of offenders had scores at or above 8 indicating moderate or severe depression. Since offenders and students do not differ in the depression scores, the validity of the cut-off scores (Beck & Beck, 1972) may be questioned. The abriged BDI does not correlate with criminal or arrest data (e.g. number of offences, sentence length and status of imprisonment), but with other self-report measures for the assessment of self-concept or anxiety. Discriminant validity in respect to related constructs (anxiety and self-concept) cannot be expected.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1989

Field test of the Cognitive Interview: enhancing the recollection of actual victims and witnesses of crime.

The Cognitive Interview was tested in the field to enhance the recollection of actual victims and witnesses of crime. The technique is based on laboratory-tested principles of memory retrieval, knowledge representation, and communication. Seven experienced detectives from the Metro-Dade Police Department were trained to use the technique and were compared with 9 untrained detectives. Before and after training, all detectives tape-recorded interviews with victims and witnesses of crime. The trained detectives elicited 47% more information after than before training, and 63% more information than did the untrained detectives. Overall collaboration rates (94%) were extremely high and were equivalent for pre- and posttrained interviews. Because the Cognitive Interview reliably enhances memory and is easily learned and administered, it should be useful for a variety of investigative interviews.

Crime↗

PubMed2002

Psychological profiling of sexual murders: an empirical model.

Psychological profiling represents the investigative technique of analyzing crime behaviors for the identification of probable offender characteristics. Profiling has progressively been incorporated into police procedures despite a surprising lack of empirical research to support its validity. Indeed, in the study of sexual murder for the purpose of profiling, very few quantitative, academically reviewed studies exist. This article reports on the results of a 4-year study into Australian sexual murders for the development of psychological profiling. The study involved 85 cases of sexual murder sampled from all Australian police jurisdictions. The statistical procedure of multidimensional scaling was employed. This analysis produced a five-cluster model of sexual murder behavior. First, a central cluster of behaviors was identified that represents common behaviors to all patterns of sexual murder. Next, four distinct outlying patterns--predator, fury, perversion, and rape--were identified that each demonstrated distinct offense styles. Further analysis of these patterns also identified distinct offender characteristics that allow for the use of empirically robust offender profiles in future sexual murder investigations.

Australia↗