Types of weapons and patterns of use in a forensic hospital.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to describe types of weapons and weapon use patterns among inpatients at a state forensic hospital to assist staff in evaluating the weapon-screening program.


METHODS
Data for a five-year period were drawn from special incident reports, hospital police crime reports, and supervisory logs to document weapon use in a 973-bed, all-male maximum security forensic hospital. Weapons were categorized as weapons of opportunity (objects available at the site of the attack) and manufactured or contraband weapons. Repeat use of weapons by a patient was documented.


RESULTS
Weapon use was relatively rare. During the five-year period less than 3 percent of inpatients used weapons, and less than 3 percent of violent incidents involved weapon use. Available objects were used in most attacks. Only 17 patients were responsible for a fourth of all weapons assaults, and these patients repeatedly used the same types of available objects, particularly furniture. Staff and patients were targeted equally in the weapon assaults.


CONCLUSIONS
Weapon-screening programs may prevent weapon carrying but not weapon use. Detailed histories of weapon use should be part of each patient's assessment and should be made known to staff.
Hunter
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ME
Atascadero State Hospital, California 93423.
Love
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CC
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002140:California; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007298:Insanity Defense; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012308:Risk Management / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012637:Security Measures / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014754:Violence; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*