INTRODUCTION

Forensic psychiatry is a sub-specialty of general psychiatry which relates to the assessment and treatment of persons with mental disorders who show antisocial or violent behaviour (1, 2). Forensic psychiatric practice involves the interface between mental health and the law, affording experts an opportunity to work within or in consultation with a legal system that encompasses both criminal and civil law and the numerous areas where they interact (3). It overlaps with healthcare, law, criminal justice and public safety and occurs in an evolving social and legislative context (1). The continued evolution of forensic psychiatry in Jamaica will require the development of appropriate facilities to manage mentally disordered offenders, a more comprehensive research base and additional training and education programmes for all stakeholders (13, 18).