The sociodemographic characteristics and psychiatric profiles of the accused persons who committed crime by means of firearms

Abstract

Objective: In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the individuals who were accused of committing crime by means of firearms in terms of their competency to stand trial and to discuss preventive measures can be taken in order to reduce such crimes. Methods: The survey form that was prepared for this purpose applied to 50 subjects that accepted to interview out of accused persons, who were forwarded to Forensic Medicine Institution 4th Expertise Committee by court of law with accusation of committing crimes by means of firearms, to be evaluated in terms of their competency to stand trial. Results: Forty-eight of the subjects (96%) were male, 28 of them (56%) were between 21 and 40 years old. It is determined that 36 of the subjects (72%) were married, 27 of them (54%) committed crime by using short-barreled weapons and 33 of them (66%) used unregistered firearms. It was claimed that 35 of the subjects (70%) had committed murder; nine of them (18%) had committed attempted murder. It was observed that 12 of the murders (24%) occurred as spouse-killing, 12 of the subjects (24%) had criminal records. It was determined as a result of evaluation conducted by the Committee that 22 subjects (44%) did not have competency to stand trial. 6 of the subjects (27%) with no competence to stand trial possessed gun license. Discussion: Determining the profiles of perpetrators who commits crimes by using firearms will be instructive to prevent these kinds of assaults. Psychiatric examination of who applies for a gun license presents great importance in terms of evaluating riskiness criteria. Assuring societal awareness by ensuring support of Civil Society Organizations and mass media, and encouraging disarmament are other side of the issue. Furthermore, issuing firearm licenses in specialized agencies will lay the groundwork for more scientific and standardized practice.