Abstract Book - International Academy of Law and Mental Health

the measure has shifted somewhat from treatment to safety. In order to avoid a TBS-order,defendants refuse psychological evaluation, with fewer impositions and less treatment as a result.This shows how changes in the execution of sanctions affect the practice of evaluation.Psychological Evidence in the Legal PerspectivePaul Mevis, Erasmus University Rotterdam (vanderwolf@law.eur.nl)In this contribution, a legal perspective will be given on the integration of psychologicalevidence within both the criminal procedure and the decision-making within the execution ofsentences. Recent developments have led to a shift of emphasis from disorder to risk. Thedominance of risk assessment instruments leads to discussions within legal practice.Psychological Evidence in the Psychological PerspectiveHjalmar van Marle, Erasmus University Rotterdam (h.j.c.vanmarle@erasmusmc.nl)The mentioned developments in the preceeding contribution will also be addressed from apsychological perspective. They lead also to ethical reflections within the professional group ofbehavioural scientists. The contribution that risk assessment has within the legal system will bediscussed as well as the influence of the neurosciences and the use of neuro-imaging withinexpert testimony in criminal cases.12. Best Practices in Use of ForceWhy the Traditional “Alpha Bravo” Approach to De-Escalation DoesNot Work in Police Encounters with People in Psychiatric CrisisStuart Thomas, Monash University (stuart.thomas@monash.edu)Concerns have long been expressed that police may be using excessive force to resolveencounters with people in psychiatric crisis. While a number of reasons have been proposed forthis, these have generally focused on assessments of increased risk based either on reportsprovided to police en route to the scene or on observable behaviours witnessed by police duringthe encounter itself. As such, issues around perceived dangerousness, aggression and impulsivityhave dominated the popular literature. More recently, however, some scholars and oversightbodies have started to consider the impact of the standard approach and engagement style ofpolice and questioned whether these traditional methods could actually be aggravating thesituation when the suspect is in a state of psychiatric crisis. This presentation will critique the32