Crime, Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System in Africa: A Psycho-Criminological Perspective

✍ Scribed by Heng Choon (Oliver) Chan (editor), Samuel Adjorlolo (editor)

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Year: 2021
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 426
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

This book aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for a myriad of crime and mental health topics and issues in the African criminal justice system from a psycho-criminological perspective. Crime, Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System in Africa: A Psycho-Criminological Perspective is an ideal primary text for courses in criminology, criminal justice, and forensic psychology, as well as asource of reference for practitioners who deal with offenders or victims.
“For a long time, African historiography has been viewed and interpreted from Eurocentric perspectives. This book is a timely contribution towards infusing Afrocentric perspectives in African scholarship by indigenous scholars. The authors’ interdisciplinary topical approach, covering a gamut of topics ranging from African criminology, through mental health and psychology, to criminal justice systems, has lent a decolonizing voice toward African literary pursuit and thereby laid a solid foundation for further research by other scholars. I highly recommend it to readers, academic institutions and researchers on Africa.”

– Emmanuel Onyeozili, Ph.D., Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Department of Criminal Justice, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, USA

“This edited volume by an array of experts from West and Southern Africa has given a refreshing voice to psycho-criminological narratives in the continent. In a region of the world in which there is insufficient documentation of the patterns, determinants and outcomes of criminal behaviour, this book offers a culturally competent and contemporary flavour to an ancient discourse. Its focus on new areas of concern such as online dating scams, kidnapping and the mental health of officials in the criminal justice system compellingly captures the potential reader and gives good value for time. It is warmly recommended for its breadth of coverage, the authority of its claims and the multi-disciplinary outlook of its authors.”

– Adegboyega Ogunwale, MBBS, FWACP, Consultant Psychiatrist, Forensic Unit, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Ogun State, Nigeria

“This collection represents a significant step in the study of mental health, crime and criminal justice in sub-Saharan Africa. The breadth of topics covered is impressive, with each contribution based on methodologically-sound empirical analyses. It deserves to become a key reference for students, researchers and policy makers interested in suicide, drug use, violence, the work of prison officers, criminal investigations, and police-community interactions.”

– Justice Tankebe, Ph.D., Lecturer, Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge, UK

“Mental health and criminal justice issues are growing problems facing the world today. Questions about whether mental health affects crime or whether involvement in the criminal justice system affects an individual’s health have become part of national policy discussion. This nicely written book brings together eminent scholars and experts with extensive experience in their various fields to address these and other questions related to crime, mental health, and criminal justice in Africa. The editors did well to coordinate the efforts of the contributors into a valuable pierce. I highly recommend it for all who are interested in the nexus between crime, mental health, and criminal justice systems.”

– Francis D. Boateng, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, University of Mississippi, USA

✦ Table of Contents

Foreword: Towards the Decolonisation of the Epistemic Violence of Psychology and Criminology
Contents
Notes on Editors and Contributors
Notes on Editors
Notes on Contributors
List of Tables
1: Introduction: Exploring Crime, Mental Health, and Criminal Justice in Africa from a Psycho-Criminological Perspective
Introduction
The Approach Adopted in this Book
The Structure of the Book
Exploring Crime, Mental Health Issues, and Criminal Justice in Africa from a Psycho-Criminological Perspective
References
Part I: Deviance, Crime and Mental Health
2: Suicide, Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour among African Youths: A Psycho-Social and Criminological Analysis
Introduction
Defining Suicide, Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour
Incidence and Prevalence of Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour in Africa
Theoretical Considerations
Interpersonal Theory of Suicidal Behaviour
Thwarted Belongingness
Perceived Burdensomeness
Acquired Capability for Suicide
The Strain Theory of Suicide
Durkheim’s Theory of Suicide
Legal Status and Criminalisation of Suicide in Africa
Assessing the Legal Status of Suicide in Africa
Addressing Suicidal Behaviour among Youths: An African Imperative
Conclusion
References
3: Perspectives on the Violent Nature of Crime Victimisation in South Africa
Introduction
Historical Context of Crime and Violence in South Africa
The Nature and Extent of Violent Crime Experienced by South African Citizens
Risk Factors of Criminal Victimisation and the Perpetration of Violence and Crime in South Africa
Socio-economic Inequality
Gender and Frustrated Masculinity
Lack of Social Cohesion
Alcohol and Firearms
South Africans’ Perceptions and Experiences of Crime and Violence
The “Blade Runner” Killer
Cold-blooded Axe Family Murderer: The Van Breda Case
Devil in Disguise: The Karabo Mokoena Murder
Killer Husband: The Susan Rohde Case
The Victims Behind South Africa’s Crime Statistics
Conclusion
References
4: Hello Pretty, Hello Handsome!: Exploring the Menace of Online Dating and Romance Scam in Africa
Introduction
Concept of Online Dating and Romance Scam
How Do Online Romance Scammers Operate?
Analysis of Some Platforms for Online Dating and Romance
Online Dating Process
Menace of Online Dating and Romance Scam
Mental Health Challenges of Online Dating and Romance Scam Victims
Some Tricks of Online Dating Scammers
Strategies for Curbing Online Dating and Romance Scam
Suggestions to Increase Research Attention in This Area
Need for Stronger Internet Security Regulations, Policy Formulation and Implementation in Africa
Conclusion
References
5: An Exploratory Study on Kidnapping as an Emerging Crime in Nigeria
Introduction
Defining Kidnapping and the Psychological Aspects of the Crime
Psychological Aspects of Kidnapping
Theoretical Framework
Brief History of Kidnapping in Nigeria and Other Countries
Statistics and Incidents of Kidnapping in Nigeria
Causes of Kidnapping in Nigeria
Bad Governance
Poverty
Unemployment
Socio-economic Deprivation
Globalisation
Response to Kidnapping and Lessons Learned
Conclusion: Recommendations and Policy Implications
References
Cases
6: An Overview of Serial Murder and its Investigation in South Africa
Introduction
Defining Serial Murder
Serial Murder Myths
Myth 1: Serial Murderers are all Dysfunctional Loners
Myth 2: Serial Murderers are all White Males
Myth 3: Serial Murderers are all Sexually Motivated
Myth 4: All Serial Murderers Travel
Myth 5: Serial Murderers will continue to Kill
Myth 6: Serial Murderers are Insane or Evil Masterminds
Myth 7: Serial Murderers want to Get Caught
Does South Africa Have An Excessive Number of Serial Murderers?
A South African Perspective on Serial Murders
The SAPS Response to Serial Murder
References
7: The Constitutional Imperative, Common Law Position and Domestic Legislation in the Context of Mental Health Care Law in South Africa
Introduction
The Concept of Human Rights
Section 10 of the Constitution: Human Dignity
Human Dignity and the Use of Physical Restraints for and Seclusion of Mentally Disordered Patients
Section 12(1) of the Constitution: Freedom and Security of the Person and Section 35: Arrested, Detained and Accused Persons
Introductory Remarks
The Regulation of State Patients and Mentally Ill Prisoners in Terms of the Mental Health Care Act
Section 28 of the Constitution: The Protection of Children’s Rights
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Institutionalisation of the Mentally Disordered
Conclusion
References
8: Suicide Attempt and “Social Suffering”: Disrupting Dangerous Binary Discourse and Fostering Kinship between the Mental Health and Legal Systems in Ghana
Introduction
Epidemiology and Patterns of Suicidal Behaviours
Crisis or Crime?
Criminalisation of Suicide Attempt: History, Current State, Arguments for and Against
Views on the Anti-suicide Laws
Dangerous Binary Discourses
Social Suffering: An Alternative Perspective for Viewing and Addressing Suicide and Suicide Attempt in Ghana
Fostering a Kinship between the Legal and Mental Health Systems in Suicide Prevention
Conclusion
References
9: Issues of Competence, Experience and Psychological Awareness among Police who Prosecute Cases of Child Sexual Abuse in Ghana
Introduction
History and Current Function of Policing in Ghana
Police Prosecutors in Ghana
Theoretical Framework
Challenges of Victims and Caregivers Seeking Justice
Methods
Research Design
Study Setting, Participants and Participant Recruitment
Ethics and Data Collection Procedure
Data Analysis and Validation
Findings
Inadequate Legal Training
Intimidating or Friendly?
Cross Fire of Accusations
Discussion
Limitations and Suggestions for Future Research
Conclusion and Recommendations
References
Statutes Referred To
10: Mental Health of Prison Inmates in the Nigerian Criminal Justice System
Introduction
Policies Addressing Prisoner Mental Health in Nigeria
Research on Prisoner Mental Health in Nigeria
Prisoner Mental Health Services in Nigeria: Opportunities and Hindrances
Opportunities
Implementation of Necessary Legislation
Professional Training and Recruitment of Staff
Inter-Sectoral Collaboration
Institution of Welfare Strategies
Implementation of Monitoring and Evaluation Activities
Threats
Lack of Mental Health Professionals
Lack of Formal Collaborative Networks and Partnerships
Stigma, Discrimination and Poor Awareness
Financial Constraints
Poor Data Assessment and Inventory Systems
Implications for Practice
Conclusion
References
Part II: The Police, Correctional and Legal System
11: The Experiences of People Who Use Drugs and Their Encounters with the Police in Ghana
Introduction
Psychosocial Effects of Drug Use
Drug Use and the Development of Criminal Behaviour
Drug Policy, the Police and Interactions with PWUDs
Methods
Research Design
Study Setting
Participants and Sample Selection
Ethical Issues and Data Collection Procedure
Data Analysis
Trustworthiness
Findings
Ecstasy
Psychosocial Consequences of Drug Use
Police Encounters
Discussion
How Drug Use Influence the Lives of PWUDs
How Drug Use Leads to the Development of Criminal Behaviour
The Police Encounters of PWUDs
Limitations and Recommendations
Conclusion
References
12: Evaluating the Predictors of Stress among Police Officers: A Current Psychosocial Analysis from Nigeria
Introduction
Policing and Sources of Stress in Nigeria: Towards an Empirical Analysis
Method
Data
Measures
Police Stress Questionnaire
Effect of Stress on General Well-being
Demographic and Control Variables
Results
Bivariate Correlation
Multiple Regression
Discussion
Conclusion
Appendix
References
13: A Study of Drug Use and Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Male Prisoners in Ghana
Introduction
Drug Use in Prison
Drug Use in Prisons in Africa
Age and Drug Use in Prison
Robbery, Recidivism and Drug Use
Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System
Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System in Ghana
Materials and Methods
Study Setting, Population and Sample
Data Collection Procedure
Data Collection Measure
Data Analysis
Results
Discussion
Limitations and Recommendation
Conclusion
References
14: Crossing the Social Boundary: Racial and Ethnic Representation of Black Female Offenders inside South African Institutions of Incarceration
Introduction
Historical Trajectories to Female Offeding in the African Context
Black Women Incarcerated in Correctional Centres
The Profile of the Incarcerated Black Women in South Africa
Women’s Racial Identities
Ethnic Representations of Women
Women’s Employment Status and Education
Engendering Correctional Policies and Systems
Conclusion
References
15: Satisfied and Committed Prison Officers? A Qualitative Exploration of Job Satisfaction and Organisational Commitment among Prison Officers in Ghana
Introduction
Previous Research on Job Satisfaction and Organisational Commitment
Situating the Ghana Penal System
Methodology
Findings
Job Satisfaction
Reformation
Benefit-Finding or Personal Growth
Helping Prisoners
A Good Day
Recognition and Praise for Work
Pay and Benefits
Job Dissatisfaction
Organisational Commitment
High Organisational Commitment
Continuance/Calculative Commitment
Normative Commitment
Low Organisational Commitment
Organisational Injustice
Pay and Benefits
Lack of Job Autonomy or Powerlessness
Job Characteristics (Perceived Job Dangerousness, Work–Family Conflict and Public Image of Prison Service)
Conclusion
References
16: Perceptions of the Police and Courts in Ghana
Introduction
The Justice System in Ghana: A Historical Overview
Policing in Precolonial, Colonial and Postcolonial Ghana
Judiciary in Precolonial Ghana
Citizens’ Assessment of the Justice System
Perceptions and Attitudes Towards the Justice System: The Ghanaian Context
The Study
Methodology: Sampling and Recruitment
Demographics
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Findings
To Use or Not to Use: Deciding to Go to the Police or Court
Experiences and Perceptions of the Police and Courts in Ghana
Experience, Knowledge and Future Utilisation
What Accounts for Citizens’ Perceptions?
Cost
Bribery and Corruption
Time
Expected Outcomes
Effects of Social Relationships on Assessments of the Justice System
Rigidity of Processes and Procedures
Who Gets Justice?
Conclusion
Limitations of the Study
References
17: Conclusion
The Emergence of an African Criminology
Crime and Deviance in Africa
Crime and Mental Health in Africa
Criminal Justice Systems in Africa
Crime, Mental Health and Criminal Justice Research Agenda
References
Correction to: An Exploratory Study on Kidnapping as an Emerging Crime in Nigeria
Index