A qualitative and quantitative survey of Forensic Medical Examiner workload in the Northumbria Police Force area October 2002–January 2003

This force-wide study in the Northumbria Police area provides an audit of the quality and quantity of work carried out by Forensic Medical Examiners (FMEs) over a three month period. Approximately 25% of all arrests during the period of the audit resulted in a request for FME assessment of the detainee. About 79% of consultations were performed to establish fitness to detain, in which over 30% of detainees were intoxicated and over 40% addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. Over 30% of those queried for fitness to detain also required advice and occasionally prescription for medication, both for the management of addiction and the treatment of chronic illness. In comparison to prior work this study found lower rates of mental illness in alcohol and drug dependent populations (13% and 6%, respectively). It is hoped this study will provide information in respect of the specific competencies not only required by future FMEs but also nurses working with detainees within the custody suites.