Psychiatric survey of offenders under criminal commitment in Singapore
Yap, H.L.; Sim, L.P.; Lim, L.C.
Singapore Medical Journal 40(7): 447-450
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-5675 PMID: 10560269 Document Number: 512062
Aim of Study: The study examined the demographic characteristics, pattern of psychiatric morbidity in offenders committed by Singapore courts and the effects of psychiatric recommendations on the disposal of these offenders. Method: A retrospective case-note study was done on all offenders committed by the courts from January 1987 to December 1988 to Woodbridge Hospital. A 23-item questionnaire was used to collect data from the offenders. Results: There were 187 offenders in the study, 165 males and 22 females. The typical offender was Chinese, male, unemployed and suffered from schizophrenia. 63.1% of the offenders required treatment after commitment. 13.9% had no psychiatric disorder. At the end of commitment, charges were dropped in 25% of cases. Theft was the most common offence and this was followed by sexual offences (molestation, outrage of modesty, exhibitionism). Offenders with schizophrenia were more likely than the others to have committed violent offences. Conclusion: A large proportion of offenders were unwell at the time of the offence, the majority were suffering from schizophrenia. 13.9% had no psychiatric illness and charges were dropped in 25% indicating that the legal process could be further improved by providing additional psychiatric input to the courts so that offenders who exhibit abnormal or deviant behaviour may be appropriately dealt with.