REMANDS AND PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENTS IN HOLLOWAY PRISON .1. THE PSYCHOTIC POPULATION

Remand prisoners diagnosed as psychotic by Holloway's psychiatrists we re followed up to time of sentence. Most were referred to outside psyc hiatrists and then offered beds. Courts invariably enabled the beds to be used. Few women had committed serious offences, and most had been remanded because the courts thought they needed help. The study showed custodial remands to be an unsatisfactory way of seeking treatment fo r psychotic offenders. Alternatives need to be developed urgently. For psychotic people who continue to be remanded in custody, transfers ra ther than court orders should initially be used to effect admission.