Supporting Threat Management with Forensic Expert Knowledge: Protecting Public Officials and Private Individuals

Behav Sci Law. 2016 Sep;34(5):645-659. doi: 10.1002/bsl.2254. Epub 2016 Sep 29.

Abstract

This article describes the implementation of a Cantonal Threat Assessment and Management (CTAM) in Zurich, Switzerland. In order to support this endeavor, the Specialist Unit for Forensic Assessment and Case Management was installed. The forensic experts provide supervision and short-term assessments to public prosecutors and general psychiatrists. In close cooperation with police threat management units, forensic experts support the assessment and management of individuals who exhibit concerning and threatening behavior towards public officials or private individuals. A public official case study illustrates this joint approach. The author's experience with CTAM, its pitfalls and the potential areas of improvement are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Commitment of Mentally Ill
  • Expert Testimony / methods*
  • Female
  • Forensic Medicine / methods
  • Forensic Psychiatry / methods*
  • Forensic Psychiatry / trends
  • Humans
  • Leadership
  • Male
  • Politics
  • Psychiatry
  • Risk Assessment / methods*
  • Risk Assessment / organization & administration
  • Safety
  • Stalking
  • Switzerland
  • Violence