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This contribution is essentially a highly selective, personal and anecdotal account of some 55 years' experience of working in the criminal justice and forensic-psychiatric (mental health) fields. It makes no pretence of being an academic presentation; thus only a modest number of references are cited in the text. The article makes no attempt at being all-inclusive; for this reason it could be criticised for being somewhat idiosyncratic. Those seeking further information concerning some of the examples cited may care to consult the brief personal bibliography at the end of the text and the references. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers insights into the supervision of potentially dangerous offender patients. The author notes that supervision needs a high degree of surveillance, an acknowledgement of the importance of accountability to the public and central government and of good relationship practices with close professional colleagues. The types of patients consist of those who have committed serious offenses of violence against the person and against property and who have the potential to do so again. He adds that it is important to overcome a reluctance to ask uncomfortable questions and to be aware of one of the difficult area of psychiatric practice.