What is a psychological firearms risk evaluation?
Basically, it’s a full mental health assessment by a qualified individual that will determine if you are a fit and proper person to utilise and be in possession of a firearm. The request for a psychological firearms risk evaluation would usually have come from the police either when you are applying for a firearms licence or upon renewal of a firearms licence.
But why do you need this evaluation? The Queensland Weapons Act (1990) states that you must be a fit and proper person to own a firearm. Part of that evaluation is the mental fitness and health of the individual. Thus, the assessment may need to be performed by a qualified mental health clinician.
What is a fit and proper person?
Although a rather vague concept, this can be described as an individual that is able to take reasonable responsibility for their behaviour as well as the consequences thereof and not place themselves or others in danger or at a risk of harm. They generally have good insight into their difficulties, good judgement, and the ability to empathise with others, amongst other traits. Furthermore, they display good values and morals as a guideline for their behaviour.
Severe mental illness can have an impact on the above-mentioned traits and on an individual’s judgement and reliability. As Wand et al. (2014) state, the capacity to safely handle firearms is affected by both behavioural and cognitive factors. Mental health difficulties can impact an individual’s ability to make informed decisions and not impulsive ones. Furthermore, mental illness impacts on an individual’s moods and emotions which in turn impacts on their judgement. Severely ill individuals may have very erratic behaviour or be paranoid thus reducing their judgement and ability to operate a firearm. Some individuals may be considered a risk for suicide or violent behaviour and thus not considered appropriate to handle a firearm. In America alone, research showed that homes with firearms have a higher risk of suicide (Wand, Peisah, Strukovski & Brodaty, 2014).
Some mental illnesses as well as some psychiatric medications have been identified to impair an individual’s judgment and responsible behaviour. The abuse of drugs and alcohol can also impair an individual’s ability to own and utilise a firearm.
These are all potential risk factors and whilst they may not necessarily disqualify you from possessing a firearm, the level of risk associated with these factors would need to be evaluated and determined and the risk associated with a firearm determined. This is done on a case-by-case basis.
What does a psychological firearms risk assessment entail?
A psychological firearms evaluation is a full mental health evaluation that is comprised of a full psychiatric interview, a full background history as well as the administration of psychological assessments. These assessments may include personality and pathology assessments as well as suicide risk assessments and cognitive evaluations. Part of the evaluation is to determine your level of risk in possessing and handling a firearm. The evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s capacity as well as risk for possessing, operating, and utilising a firearm.
The evaluation usually takes between 2 to 3 hours and then, if appropriate, an additional hour for the completion of the psychological assessments, depending on the type of assessment being administered. However, this may vary from case to case and may be dependent on the specifics of the situation.
Please understand that upon completion of the intake and evaluation process, Dr Baleta, reserves the right to not continue the process or provide a Report. In such circumstances, Dr Baleta will discuss the reasons with the client.
Where the decision is made to continue to the preparation and provision of a Report, collateral information is also obtained usually from a family member, friend and/or colleague. The evaluation does not guarantee a specific outcome and it is important to remember that a clinician has a responsibility to report any concerns for risk of harm with patients that have access to firearms.
Dr Pauline Baleta performs psychological firearms risk assessments and can assist you with a report for the police.
It is important that clients’ remember that ultimately it is the Police who decide whether or not to approve a particular persons application for a firearms license with due regard to legislation and associated regulations that are in force at the time of the application.
To make an appointment with Dr Pauline Baleta try Online Booking. Alternatively, you can call Vision Psychology Brisbane on (07) 3088 5422 or M1 Psychology Loganholme on (07) 3067 9129.
References
Wand, A.P.F, Peisah, C., Strukovski, J.A. & Brodaty, H. (2014). Firearms, mental illness, dementia and the clinician, Ethics and Law, 201(11).
Queensland Weapons Act (1990)