NCJ Number
184240
Journal
Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health Volume: 10 Issue: 2 Dated: 2000 Pages: 77-87
Date Published
2000
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Data from 546 men remanded to Durham prison in England between October 1995 and April 1996 formed the basis of an evaluation of the screening process used to determine which prisoners had mental illnesses and to determine ways to improve the process.
Abstract
The research compared the prison screening with an independent research screen for the 546 consecutive male remands. Information also came from observations of the prison reception and induction processes during which the health screening took place, interviews of prison health care staff, and recording of inmates’ opinions about health screening. Results revealed that health assessments took place under unsatisfactory conditions and that many health care staff lacked appropriate training. In addition, relationships with prisoners did not encourage inmates to volunteer information. Moreover, screening records were missing or seriously incomplete in 1 in 10 cases. The research identified four variables that together were the best predictors of mental illness in this population. The screening instrument used at the prison included questions relating to all four variables; this assessment was the most informative of the two prison reception health screens. The subsequent mental health assessment conducted by prison physicians was often cursory and added little further information. Findings indicated that the health screening for new prisoners needs revision and improvement. Recommendations, tables, and 14 references (Author abstract modified)