Information for individuals undergoing examination
On this page, you will find information for individuals who are to be examined at the Forensic Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic.
What is a preliminary forensic psychiatric examination?
A preliminary forensic psychiatric examination is a medical assessment of your mental state, ordered by the police or the court. The purpose of the preliminary examination is to clarify whether there may be a need for a full forensic psychiatric evaluation.
Why is a preliminary forensic psychiatric examination conducted?
In criminal cases, it may be necessary to determine whether you were legally responsible (sane) at the time of the alleged act. In some cases, your mental state at the time of the act can influence the criminal proceedings and sentencing.
How is a preliminary forensic psychiatric examination carried out?
The examination consists of an interview with a court-appointed forensic psychiatrist or a psychologist specialist, usually lasting one to two hours. The expert will have received case documents from the police beforehand.
Do the experts have a duty of confidentiality?
The expert is not bound by the usual confidentiality rules that apply to healthcare personnel, but is subject to the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act regarding medical expert work. You are not obligated to speak with the experts, but if you choose to do so, you will have the opportunity to tell your side of the story. This helps ensure that the expert get as much information as needed to make an informed decision.
If you do not wish to speak with an expert, he or she may have to base their assessment solely on the case documents. If you are uncertain, you may contact your lawyer for guidance.
What happens to the information I provide?
What you share will, together with relevant information in the criminal case documents, form the basis for the assessment. The expert prepares a report that is sent to the police or the court. The report becomes part of the criminal case file.
What is the legal basis for a preliminary forensic psychiatric examination?
The legal basis for the examination is the Criminal Procedure Act, Section 165, fourth paragraph.
Where do I attend the examination at the Forensic Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic?
The examination takes place at the Forensic Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic, located in the Central Detention Facility at the Police Headquarters at Grønland in Oslo (see map).
Address:
Sentralarresten
Grønlandsleiret 44
0032 Oslo
The entrance to our offices is best reached from Åkebergveien. The entrance is on the side of the Police Headquarters/Central Detention Facility facing Oslo Prison.
When you arrive at the entrance to the Central Detention Facility, ring the doorbell and you will be admitted to the Forensic Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic. You should expect to be searched before the examination.