The Security Needs Assessment Profile: A Multidimensional Approach to Measuring Security Needs

Although levels of security in UK forensic psychiatric services are generally accepted as being divided into high, medium and low security there are few detailed descriptors beyond those of high security. The lack of clear definitions of security poses problems for researchers, clinicians and patients. Developments in forensic care increasingly demand that patients should receive care under conditions of security that are no greater than necessary to manage the risks they present. This is not a simple proposition; a number of complex areas have to be addressed by clinicians when defining a patient's individual needs for security. In an attempt to provide a more comprehensive description of patients' security needs the authors developed the Security Needs Assessment Profile (S.N.A.P). This instrument builds on the three traditional dimensions of security: physical, procedural and relational. Each dimension is sub-divided into a number of items, 22 overall. Each item was described on a four-point scale, each point being carefully defined to provide reference points for users. This article briefly outlines the background, instrument development, instrument structure, sample and results. Initial results indicate that the instrument can distinguish between patients who require different levels of security. An emerging component structure is also described. A preliminary version of the instrument is described for use in forensic settings.