An Aquatic Decomposition Scoring Method to Potentially Predict the Postmortem Submersion Interval of Bodies Recovered from the North Sea

This study aimed to develop an aquatic decomposition scoring (ADS) method and investigated the predictive value of this method in estimating the postmortem submersion interval (PMSI) of bodies recovered from the North Sea. This method, consisting of an ADS item list and a pictorial reference atlas, showed a high interobserver agreement (Krippendorff's alpha ≥ 0.93) and hence proved to be valid. This scoring method was applied to data, collected from closed cases—cases in which the postmortal submersion interval (PMSI) was known—concerning bodies recovered from the North Sea from 1990 to 2013. Thirty‐eight cases met the inclusion criteria and were scored by quantifying the observed total aquatic decomposition score (TADS). Statistical analysis demonstrated that TADS accurately predicts the PMSI (p < 0.001), confirming that the decomposition process in the North Sea is strongly correlated to time.     

Field reliability of the SAVRY with juvenile probation officers: Implications for training

Two complimentary studies were conducted to investigate the inter-rater reliability and performance of juvenile justice personnel when conducting the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk for Youth (SAVRY). Study 1 reports the performance on four standardized vignettes of 408 juvenile probation officers (JPOs) and social workers rating the SAVRY as part of their training. JPOs had high agreement with the expert consensus on the SAVRY rating of overall risk and total scores, but those trained by a peer master trainer outperformed those trained by an expert. Study 2 examined the field reliability of the SAVRY on 80 young offender cases rated by a JPO and a trained research assistant. In the field, intra-class correlation coefficients were 'excellent' for SAVRY total and most domain scores, and were 'good' for overall risk ratings. Results suggest that the SAVRY and structured professional judgment can be used reliably in the field by juvenile justice personnel and is comparable to reliability indices reported in more lab-like research studies; however, replication is essential.     

Books in review

Among his forthcoming books are Psychology and Tortureand Psychology and Social Policy (edited with P.E. Tetlock).     

Neuropsychological Evaluation of Competency in Criminal Forensic Contexts

Competency issues can arise at any point beginning with an individual’s initial interaction with the justice system until the same individual is facing the imposition of a sentence. Neuropsychologists are commonly introduced to the criminal arena through referrals related to competence issues, and much can be gained from understanding how cognitive and psychological functioning can impact an individual’s ability to understand and appreciate current circumstances. The present article focuses on three less frequently explored domains of competency, including competence to waive Miranda rights, competence to consent to or refuse treatment, and competency for execution. Pertinent diagnostic considerations are discussed, and relevant legal standards and ethical issues are described. Lastly, evaluation procedures for each type of competence evaluation are discussed. This primer on competency assessment offers a review of the current practices, and limitations, in this burgeoning intersection of law, brain–behavior relationships, and psychology.     

College-student abstainers,moderate drinkers,and heavy drinkers: A comparative analysis

Comparison of college freshman male and female abstainers, moderate drinkers, and heavy drinkers indicated that male and female heavy drinkers were more likely than their abstinent counterparts to engage in social, cultural, and impulsive-deviant activities, to describe themselves as dominant and rebellious, and to experience exuberance, negative affect, and physical complaints. Female and especially male heavy drinkers also performed more poorly academically than did abstainers. College health and academic counseling services may benefit from knowledge of individuals at high risk for poor physical health, academic dropout, and alcohol abuse.This research was supported in part by NIAAA Grant AA02863 and by NIMH Grant MH16026.Major interests are personality and environmental assessment.Major interests are personality theory and multivariate statistical procedures.Major interests are personality theory and social psychology.