Dutch Ministry of Justice

About: Dutch Ministry of Justice is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Poison control & Prison. The organization has 111 authors who have published 153 publications receiving 2764 citations.

Understanding the links between perceived prison conditions and prison staff

Abstract: In the Dutch prison system, motivational treatment is seen as one of the key contributors to a dignified and humane prison climate, stimulating inmates to assume personal responsibility and to change their lives. Staff are seen as the crucial factor to attaining this goal. The assumption is that the staff’s work situation has an impact on how inmates are treated. How inmates are treated in turn influences how they perceive prison conditions. In this study, we will examine the correlations between work situation, treatment styles and perceived prison conditions by means of a multilevel linear regression. The results show that a good work situation for prison staff is a precondition for practicing an active approach to inmates. In addition, inmates are more satisfied with the prison conditions if the various treatment styles are thoroughly applied. A balance between providing support and structure for inmates appears to be very important. Motivational treatment proves to be significantly correlated to the inmates’ satisfaction regarding prison conditions.

Expanding the domain of human trafficking research: introduction to the special issue on human trafficking

Abstract: An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue, including the character of human trafficking, victims of human trafficking and the investigation of human trafficking cases.

Relationships of diet-related blood parameters and blood lead levels with psychopathology and aggression in forensic psychiatric inpatients

Abstract: Background: Earlier studies have suggested associations between diet-related blood parameters and both aggression and psychopathological symptoms, but little is known about this in forensic psychiatric inpatients. Aim: This article aims to explore the levels of diet-related blood parameters and their relationship to aggressive behaviour and/or psychopathology among Dutch forensic psychiatric inpatients. Methods: Minerals, vitamins, lead and fatty acid levels were measured in blood samples from 51 inpatients, well enough to consent and participate in the study, from a possible total of 99. Levels of aggression and psychopathology were assessed using questionnaires, observation instruments and clinical data. Associations between blood parameters and behavioural measures were calculated. Results: Low average levels of vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids were found, with nearly two-thirds of the patients having below recommended levels of D3, while vitamin B6 levels were high. Magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and lead were overall within reference values, but copper/zinc ratios were high. Several significant associations between levels of fatty acid measures and both aggression and psychopathology were observed. Conclusion: In our sample of forensic psychiatric inpatients, fatty acids - but not mineral or vitamin levels - were associated with aggression and psychopathology. A potentially causal link between fatty acids and aggression could be tested in a randomised, placebo-controlled trial of fish oil supplements. General health of such patients might be improved by better vitamin D status (increased sun exposure and/or supplement use) and better omega-3 fatty acid status (oily fish or fish oil consumption), but discouraging unnecessary self-prescription of B vitamins where necessary.

Explaining attrition: Investigating and confiscating the profits of organized crime:

Abstract: In this article, we provide insight into a common but scarcely researched problem in the process of confiscating criminal earnings: attrition, that is, the gap between estimated criminal profits on...

Drones Here, There and Everywhere Introduction and Overview

Abstract: This chapter provides an introduction to this book and an overview of all chapters. Given the popularity of drones and the fact that many of them are easy and cheap to buy, it is generally expected that the ubiquity of drones will significantly increase within the next few years. This raises questions as to what is technologically feasible (now and in the future), what is acceptable from an ethical point of view and what is allowed from a legal point of view. Drone technology is to some extent already available to consumers and more drone technologies are expected to become available to consumers in the near future. The aim and scope of this book: to map the opportunities and threats associated with the use of drones and to discuss the ethical and legal issues of the use of drones. Since drones have many names, including UAVs, UASs and RPASs, the terminology used is explained. This chapter concludes with an overview of the structure of this book, containing chapters on drone technology, the opportunities and threats of drone use, ethical and legal issues concerning the use of drones and potentials solutions for these issues.