Types of weapons and patterns of use in a forensic hospital

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.

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.

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.

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.