@article{ref1,
title="Types of weapons and patterns of use in a forensic hospital",
journal="Hospital and community psychiatry",
year="1993",
author="Hunter, M. E. and Love, Colleen C.",
volume="44",
number="11",
pages="1082-1085",
abstract="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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0022-1597",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}