Role of the Forensic Medical Examiner with "Drunken Detainees" in Police Custody

• NCJ Number: 194102
• Author(s): Alison Noble; David Best; Margaret Stark; E. J. Marshall
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 65 pages
• Sale Source: Great Britain Home Office, Policing and Reducing Crime Unit
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom
• Note: Police Research Series Paper 146; downloaded February 8, 2002.

Annotation

This study investigates the feasibility of the Forensic Medical Examiner (FME) administering a brief intervention in the custody suite involving drunken arrestees in the United Kingdom.

Abstract

Drunken detainees are a significant problem for the police because of the risk of death in custody. Reports show that 25 percent of all deaths in police custody result from detainees using drugs or alcohol. Up to 80 percent of the FME’s work has some connection with alcohol use or misuse. Brief interventions for alcohol problems have been show to be effective in populations not seeking treatment, especially among men. Many FMEs have insight in to the applicability of brief interventions in primary care, and are in a position to apply some of the lessons from primary care to the custody suite setting. A sample of FMEs from across the United Kingdom was investigated in order to assess knowledge, views, and attitudes towards the use of brief interventions in the custody setting. A sample of police officers was also asked to complete semi-structured questionnaires. Results showed that there were disparities in knowledge and awareness among Principal FMEs, FMEs and police officers regarding their awareness of brief interventions for alcohol problems and their perceptions of their own training. A variation in views and attitudes toward brief intervention was expressed, with many Principals and FMEs questioning whether it was part of their role or even whether brief alcohol interventions could work in principle. Many FMEs did provide some form of intervention – advice, referral to local agencies, liaison with arrest referral, motivational enhancement work, although often on an ad hoc and opportunistic basis. The lack of follow-up opportunities, the intoxication of the detainee and restrictions on time and resources were seen as major obstacles to the systematic provision of treatment-type interventions by FMEs. Increases in specialist training for FMEs and custody officers and in the coordination of FME work with local treatment providers would be beneficial. 10 tables, 56 references, appendix