Psychiatric risk, safety cultures and homicide inquiries

Abstract

The risk of homicide by psychiatric patients is quantified and set in the context of recent literature on risk. The reasons why the general public may see this risk as unacceptable are outlined. This perception provides a rationale for homicide inquiries. These, like inquiries into non-medical disasters, should look not only for failures by individuals but also for deficiencies in the safety culture of the relevant services.

Key Words:

• risk
• safety culture
• homicide inquiry
• mental illness