Leda and the Swan--and other myths about rape.

In his David Jenkins Memorial Lecture, Dr Norfolk discusses rape and some of the myths that surround the topic, exploring the research evidence about conviction rates, false allegations, clinician gender preferences of rape victims and the role of sexual assault referral centres in service delivery.

The fatal case of a cocaine body-stuffer and a literature review - towards evidence based management.

The case of a 50-year old female body-stuffer who collapsed and died more than 10h after swallowing a plastic wrap of cocaine is reported. The case is discussed together with a review of the literature in order that guidelines on managing body-stuffers in police custody can be evidence based.

Deaths in police custody during 1994: a retrospective analysis.

This paper presents the results of a retrospective analysis of deaths in police custody from 1 January to 31 December 1994. During that year, there were 32 such deaths in the UK. For purposes of analysis, the deaths were grouped into three principal categories based on the frequency of their occurrence: deaths by hanging (12); deaths among those arrested for drunkenness (11) and other deaths (9).

Fit to be interviewed by the police--an aid to assessment.

The assessment of a suspect's fitness to be interviewed by the police is becoming an increasingly important part of a police surgeon's workload. This paper discusses the assessment in terms of the various factors that may render a person prone to providing an involuntary or false confession and proposes an aide memoire to assist the examining doctor.

Volatile substances and their potential to interfere with breath alcohol reading instruments.

Two cases are presented which highlight the potential for abused volatile substances to interfere with the results of evidential breath testing equipment. Home Office guidance, issued in 1983, advises that breath testing devices should not be used when a driver is suspected of glue-sniffling, but the advice does not appear to be widely known. The implications for both police officers and police surgeons are discussed.