Some observations on the supervision of dangerous offender patients

Dangerous offenders, such as those who have committed homicides, are occasionally released from prison early under the condition that they will be followed closely by mental health professionals. While the relative number of these cases is small, assessment and management of risk is a primary concern. These people have usually committed violent offenses and have the potential to do so again. However, it appears that the majority of such offenders released from prison conditionally do well. There are no foolproof methods that can be used to predict which prisoners will do well and which will not. It is important that preventative measures be taken in the community to lessen the likelihood of repeat offence. Past precipitants to violent behavior can be identified and removed, if possible. Current frustration tolerance can be assessed, along with self-image, reality-testing, circumstances under which the crime was committed, and the prisoner's current feelings about the crime. A high degree of surveillance is necessary should a dangerous prisoner be released to the community; communication between all involved agencies must be maintained. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)