Forensic Institutions Research Articles

Regulatory Framework of the Conduct of Forensic Construction Examination

This article addresses the pressing issue of reforming the system of regulation for construction activities. The author analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of the existing opposing points of view: preserving the existing “rigid” system on the one hand, or its abolition – the transition to the “flexible” method of calculation justification of design decisions, on the other. The choice in favor of the second option will cause large-scale changes in the construction sector, hence – forensic construction activities. Such changes will undermine the entire forensic expertise institution because it will become impossible to comply with the basic principles of an expert’s work - scientific validity and reliability of conclusions. The author concludes that the current regulating system does not work not because of its shortcomings but for some other reasons: negligence in construction work conduct, non-compliance with the construction technology, lack of design documentation, and others. In order to improve the current situation concerning the regulation of forensic construction and technical examinations, the following measures have been proposed: revision and improvement of their methodological, theoretical, and legal foundations, in-depth analysis of the content of urban planning legislation from the point of view of requirements mandatory for application by a forensic expertbuilder, specifying the limits of an expert’s competence, the formation of unified algorithms and forms of presenting research, the development of sub-theories on the legal and organizational support of the nonstate forensic activity, the active involvement of research institutions and higher educational institutions in the conduct of expert examinations.

International Experience of Organization and Activities of Forensic Expert Institutions

The author of the article studies international experience of the organization and activities of forensic institutions on the example of such countries as Germany, France, the Netherlands, Czech Republic and the United Kingdom. The legislative features of the functioning of forensic institutions and the regulation of the legal status of experts are noted. It is determined that regardless of the departmental subordination of forensic institutions, their activities are based on international standards.
 The author has identified a scientific novelty, which consists in the further development of the provisions obtained by scientists and scholars on the organizational structure and practical activities of forensic institutions both in Ukraine and abroad, as well as the formulation of new conceptual provisions, conclusions and propositions for improving regulation of forensic activity in Ukraine.
 The author of the article proves that the organization and activities of forensic institutions in France are based on national and international law regulating the specifics of forensic examinations and the legal status of the expert.
 The author concludes that forensic activities in Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom are carried out effectively, and its legal regulation takes place without violation of human rights and freedoms in compliance with international rules and standards. Their legislation, which addresses the organization and operation of forensic institutions, is aimed at respecting the rights and freedoms of a man and citizen, protection of the rights and interests of forensic experts.
 The author of the article defines that the implementation of international norms and standards of organization and activity of forensic institutions brings expert institutions to a new level of functioning. This makes it possible to create an effective mechanism for the management and operation of forensic institutions and experts, which will determine the high requirements for forensic examination, increase the professional level and efficiency of employees of expert institutions, which can meet the needs of modern justice.

ON THE ISSUE OF RISK MANAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENT IN THE ACTIVITIES OF UKRAINIAN FORENSIC INSTITUTIONS

The use of international standard ISO / IEC 17025 in forensic institutions of Ukraine is an integral part of the international recognition procedure of the tests (examinations) results that they conduct. In connection with the entry of a new version of the international standard ISO / IEC 17025: 2017 and DSTU ISO / IEC 17025: 2017 into legal force, the issues of meeting new standards requirements have become increasingly relevant. The international standard provides for the use of risk-based thinking and a process approach in any field of activity, including forensic science. When conducting research, practitioners are faced with internal and external factors and various influences that lead to uncertainties in the degree of confidence regarding the examination result. Institutions that will evaluate and manage risks during their activity will have an advantage over other forensic institutions.
 
 The purpose of the article is to review approaches to risk management and assessment, to suggest creating a single documented procedure for the risk management procedure in testing laboratories in the field of forensic science.
 
 The article considers the concepts, basic approaches to risk management and assessment, as well as the authors present the risk management procedure developed by them in the testing laboratory of a forensic institution, which includes the stages of risk management and a risk assessment matrix.
 
 Despite the fact that ISO / IEC 17025: 2017 does not require the development of a documented procedure for risk management, we nevertheless believe that it should be introduced for the effective operation of the testing laboratory. Development of a unified management procedure for managing and accessing risks in forensic activities will increase the results reliability of these activities.

ESTABLISHMENT OF CAUSE AND EFFECT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN IMPROPER ARRANGEMENT OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT FACILITIES AND TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS OCCURRENCE

The daunting issues arising at experts and forensic bodies when appointing and conducting comprehensive road and pavement forensic investigation and road accident analysis (forensic expert examination) are considered. Types of traffic accidents provided by the statistics of the Department of Patrol Police of Ukraine are analyzed. A number of road accidents with victims committed in conditions of the road and settlements streets unsatisfactory state is defined.
 
 More and more judicial and investigative bodies turn to forensic science institutes, in particular to KhRIFE, in order to determine whether the improper design of the road network affected the occurrence of an accident. In other words, the questions not only on the establishment of improper design of the road section where the accident occurred, but also on the existence of cause and effect relationship between the identified discrepancies and the accident are advanced for examination. The study of the above issues belongs to the forensic specialty 10.16 Road and Pavement Forensic Investigation. The demand for forensic research of improper design of the road network and the causes of accidents are constantly growing. At the same time, the practice of conducting road and pavement forensic investigation, namely the analysis of the materials provided for the study, shows that most criminal proceedings are investigated both while pre-trial investigation and in court for violation of traffic safety rules or transport operation by persons who drive vehicles. In the statistical report of the Department of Patrol Police of Ukraine, the data of road accidents are not classified as those that arose due to improper condition of roads and streets of settlements, and when conducting road and pavement forensic investigation it is established that improper design of the road network is in cause and effect relationship with the occurrence of an accident from a technical point of view.

INVESTIGATION OF TRAFFIC COLLISIONS AND ESTABLISHMENT OF CAUSE AND EFFECT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VEHICLES BREAKDOWNS

Issues related to the investigation of traffic collisions in criminal proceedings and establishment of cause and effect relationship between vehicles breakdowns are considered. The purposes and tasks of the vehicle inspection by an investigator are defined. The procedure for the appointment of a technical condition examination in criminal proceedings during the investigation of a traffic collision is indicated. The issues that are resolved while road-accident analysis of vehicles technical condition are examined. The possible conclusions of the forensic examination after establishing the vehicle technical condition at the time of the accident are drawn and evaluation of these findings is given. Investigations and trials on criminal cases related to traffic collisions, as well as investigating authorities and court decisions on the issues of violations by drivers of the requirements of Traffic Rules, Technical Operation Rules, require the mandatory establishment of the systems technical condition that affect the safety of vehicles.
 Currently, police officers and investigators do not have a clear, scientifically substantiated methodology for checking the technical condition of vehicle systems, and the protocol form for examining and checking the technical condition of vehicles is imperfect. Many years of forensic examinations experience in forensic institutions of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine and continuous work with these documents indicate that there was almost no case when an inspection report was filled in correctly and contained reasonable and comprehensive information on the technical condition of the vehicle involved in a traffic accident. In connection with the above, the consideration of the traffic accident investigation that arose as a result of a vehicle breakdown is becoming increasingly relevant. In addition, it is advisable to highlight the scientific and technological progress that entails the development of new methods for forensic experts who are involved in criminal proceedings during investigation of traffic collisions. The initiation of criminal proceedings on the fact of a traffic collision and the establishment of cause and effect relationships between vehicle breakdowns has a number of peculiarities inherent only to this corpus delicti, but application of special knowledge in the field of automotive equipment, namely, interaction of investigative actions with forensic experts allows the investigation to establish a cause and effect relationship between identified vehicle breakdowns and the occurrence of a traffic collision, and most importantly to identify that a person driving a vehicle violated Vehicle Operation Rules in the event of a traffic collision.

PECULIARITIES OF FORENSIC COMMODITY EXPERT PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES FORMATION

The authors solved the task of describing the peculiarities of the forensic commodity expert professional competencies formation, determining the components of this process and ways for its further development. Based on the analysis of the domestic scientists papers, which reflect the issues of forming staff capacity in a company and its development, ways for the possible use
 
 of scientists developments while training forensic institutions specialists in general and forensic commodity experts in particular are proposed. It has been established that the set of characteristic features of a forensic commodity examination distinguishes it from other types of examinations and should become the basis for the theoretical foundations formation of the forensic commodity expert competencies. It is emphasized that activities of a forensic commodity expert always require creativity and scientific knowledge for research conduct, and the system of his competencies should include basic competencies, growth competencies, strategic competencies and their characteristics should be given. At the same time, a set of functional competencies is defined, which enhance disclosure of the competence concept “functional mastery” in different areas of the forensic commodity expert activity.
 Based on the peculiarities of the activities of various specialties forensic experts, including forensic commodity experts, it was found that when describing the structure of a forensic commodity expert professiogram along with professional knowledge (special knowledge and knowledge of legal norms), skills and abilities should be included. It is proved that the introduction into practice of forensic experts certification of such kind of knowledge control as testing, will help to solve most of the problems regarding the quality of preparation of forensic commodity experts and a number of advantages of such knowledge control is described. Recommendations on the assessment of forensic experts have been developed. An analysis of scientific papers of leading scientists and practical activities of forensic experts made it possible to define the skills and abilities that forensic commodity expert needs in his work, namely: specific methodological, research, communicative-organizational, and a detailed structure of each group with indication of competencies is given.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS OF THE NATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CENTER “HON. PROF. M. S. BOKARIUS FORENSIC SCIENCE INSTITUTE”

The article considers main issues of improving forensic activity and promising courses for the development of expert support of justice field in Ukraine, as well as achievements and intended prospects for the development of the National Scientific Center “Hon. Prof. M. S Bokarius Forensic Science Institute” of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. Based on the analysis of main directions of forensic science institute activity in accordance with the requirements of Ukrainian legislation, compliance with provisions of international agreements, modern European trends in expert provision of justice, basic steps forward on the path of institution development are outlined. It is has been analyzed that the National Scientific Center “Hon. Prof. M. S Bokarius Forensic Science Institute” of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine became the main forensic science institute in the state since its establishment. It has been established that at the initiative of specialists of the National Scientific Center “Hon. Prof. M. S Bokarius Forensic Science Institute”, new directions of forensic examinations and a number of new types of expert specializations have been introduced which have not been carried out at any forensic science institute of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine until that time. It has been concluded that rapid development of forensic activity necessiates the need for theoretical understanding and detailed analysis of new forms of activity in this area. It is argued that the scientific potential laid down from the time of its foundation up to these days demonstrates the Center’s ability to solve complex problems of justice expert provision in Ukraine.

REGARDING RELATION BETWEEN CLASSIFICATION OF FORENSIC SCIENCE GENERAL THEORY TASKS AND PRACTICAL FORENSIC ACTIVITY (Review Article)

The article analyzes conceptual foundations, views and ideas as to understanding of the essence of the classification of forensic science general theory tasks. The main views of scientists concerning classification of forensic examination typical tasks are analyzed. Information is established by examining properties of individual objects or characteristics of several objects interaction process. Special (individual) tasks of the forensic science general theory include: research on the development and formation of forensic examination types, expansion of the scope of their practical application; design of the latest types and kids of forensic examinations in connection with the emergence of modern facilities or improvement of methods and techniques existing in forensic practice; modernization of software for an expert workstation; improvement of the practical activities of forensic experts and emergence of scientific research innovative tasks in the field of forensic science; planned enhancement of existing scientific knowledge and improvement of general and individual theories of forensic science; development (taking into account current realities) of methods and techniques for assessing an expert conclusion.
 Having analyzed the trends in the development of individual theories of forensic science and forensic practice, we suggest to supplement the outlined special tasks of forensic science theory with the following: development of systemic links between state and non-state entities of forensic activity; development and rationalization of organizational foundations of forensic activity, including the development of an individual rating of a particular forensic expert and of a forensic science institute in general.
 It has been proved that a scientifically grounded classification of forensic science general theory tasks and general tasks of practical forensic activity increases efficiency of forensic activity implementation, helps to identify and investigate crimes, to establish circumstances to be proved in a particular case in the manner stipulated by a corresponding procedural legislation of Ukraine.

Patterns of Injuries in Fatal Fall from Height Cases in Gharbia Governorate: Autopsy Study

Background: A fall is defined as an event in which a person inadvertently lands on the ground after falling from a higher place. It is the second most common cause of unintentional injury associated mortality after traffic accidents. Sometimes, when a body is brought for autopsy it is unclear whether injuries are due to a fall from a height or due to blunt trauma from other cause. Objectives: the aim of this study is to spot light on injuries in fatal falls from height so that any pattern which might help in discriminating between these injuries and injuries due to blunt trauma from other causes could be identified. Methods: This work included retrospective study of fatal fall from height cases which subjected to medico-legal autopsy in Tanta Department of Forensic Institute- Gharbia Governorate during the period from the start of January 2012 to the end of October 2015. In addition, a cross-sectional study with autopsy was carried out on fatal fall from height cases from the start of November 2015 to the end of October 2016. Results: The majority of cases (52.38%) were in the age group 20-40 years. Males registered 76.2% of cases. Urban areas recorded 64.3% of cases. Head first impact was noticed in 66.7% of cases. Poly-trauma was the cause of death in 76.2% of cases. Nearly all cases showed diffuse head injuries involving bones, meninges and brain and accompanying intracranial hemorrhage. The majority of cases registered negative drug screening. Conclusion: External injuries including abrasions, contusions and lacerations were diffusely involving different body regions except neck. Skull fractures are distributed evenly amongst vault and base. Polytrauma is the most predominant cause of death. After the brain, thoracic cage and lung injuries were encountered in more than half of the cases. Liver is the most common abdomino-pelvic organ involved.

Criminal Responsibility Scale: Development and Validation of a Psychometric Tool Structured in Clinical Vignettes for Criminal Responsibility Assessments in Brazil.

Criminal responsibility assessment is undertaken by psychologists or psychiatrists to assess offenders' legal capacities, which vary among countries or regional legislations. There are two psychometric tools (i.e., checklists) validated for criminal responsibility assessment: the Roger Criminal Responsibility Scale, and the rating scale of criminal responsibility for mentally disordered offenders. Despite the existence of psychometric tools structured in clinical vignettes for evaluating legal capacities, none serve the purpose of assessing criminal responsibility. This study aims to validate a novel psychometric tool structured in vignettes for the assessment of criminal responsibility called the “Criminal Responsibility Scale.” We applied the tool to 88 defendants referred for criminal responsibility assessment in a forensic medical institute in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from December 2017 to December 2018. The validity of the Criminal Responsibility Scale and subscales were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. The two-factor solution proved satisfactory and met the needs for practical application of the tool (Kaiser–Meyer–Oklin = 0.82; p < 0.001). Moreover, the inter-rater reliability was evaluated by comparing the tool's final score with that of the expert's conclusion in each case and was found to be satisfactory (k = 0.667–1.0), with a resulting cutoff point of 30.50 (±2) and a Youden index of 0.509. Hence, the Criminal Responsibility Scale is an effective psychometric tool for assessments of criminal responsibility that may encourage future research in assessments of legal capacity with clinical vignette-based psychometric instruments.

FORENSIC EXAMINATION OF SHORT SIGNATURES

This article is devoted to the topical problem of forensic handwriting analysis: research on short simple signatures and on solution of identification and diagnostic problems regarding such objects.&#x0D; On the basis of examples from forensic expert practice in Hon. Prof. M. S. Bokarius Kharkiv Research Institute of Forensic Examinations, the possibility of solving forensic handwriting problems while the study of short and simple signatures is illustrated. It is noted that current methodical state of forensic science institutes of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine allows to conduct forensic handwriting analysis as well as forensic handwriting research on these objects using traditional methods.&#x0D; While solving such issues, the general method of scientific cognition: dialectical materialism; Empirical research method; the method of analysis and synthesis; observation, experimentation and modelling methods; instrumental method, measuring method; qualitatively descriptive method have been used.&#x0D; Research proved possibility of identification and diagnostic forensic handwriting tasks solution while the study of short simple signatures provided that forensic experts have a sufficient amount of informative comparative material. The present subjective approach in defining “suitability” of low- informative objects for solution of identification and diagnostic issues is stressed in the article. Success while solving the indicated forensic handwriting tasks depends on the professional level of forensic expert.

Frequency of violence towards healthcare workers in the United States' inpatient psychiatric hospitals: A systematic review of literature.

The purpose of this systematic review is to determine the frequency of violent or aggressive behaviour towards healthcare workers in inpatient psychiatric settings in the United States. To achieve this aim, five databases were searched to find English-language quantitative studies reporting prevalence or incidence data of violence or aggression directed towards staff members in inpatient psychiatric settings. No limitations were set based on publication date, and intervention studies were included only if baseline data were provided. Of 335 total studies found, 38 full-text articles were suitable for full-text analysis based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 14 were included in the final review. Years of data collection ranged from 1986 to 2018, and a range of psychiatric facilities were represented, from small, private hospital units to large forensic institutions. Researchers utilized surveys, real-time incident reporting tools, and government databases, or a combination of strategies, to collect data related to workers' experiences on the job. Included research indicates that workplace violence in the U.S. inpatient psychiatric setting is a widespread problem, with 25-85% of survey respondents reporting an incident of physical aggression within the year prior to survey, and statewide workers' compensation findings indicating 2-7 claims due to assault per 100000 employee hours. There are substantial differences between findings based on measurement strategy, making it difficult to arrive at a single estimate of prevalence nationally. As management of this persistent problem receives continued attention from stakeholders, it becomes increasingly important to define and measure the problem with the most appropriate tools.

USING MODERN 3D-TECHNOLOGIES IN MEDICINE AND FORENSIC PRACTICE (LITERATURE REVIEW)

The article highlights examples of the use of modern 3D technologies in the world of forensic medicine and medicine in general, aimed at increasing the level of visualization and detailing of bodily injuries, in turn, significantly improves the visibility and quality of the examinations.Aim of the work. Studying the possibilities of using 3D technologies in the world and domestic forensic industry and medicine in general, the search for promising areas for the introduction of 3D techniques in the practice of forensic experts inUkraine.In article special attention is focused on the noticeably growing interest of domestic scientists in the study and implementation of 3D reconstruction and 3D modeling techniques in the domestic medical industry and forensic science in particular. The advantages and promising directions of such research in forensic medicine and institutions of higher medical education inUkraineare highlighted.

Formation of Intellectual Property Forensics in the System of the Russian Ministry of Justice

The article analyses legal regulations of a forensic investigation into intellectual property o jects regarding the appointment of examinations of trademarks and service marks. The matter of necessity of specialized knowledge to conduct such investigations is addressed as well as current expert and judicial practice in this field. The author notes that forensic analysis of trade and service marks should be carried out as a part of a comprehensive examination in complex cases. The investigation should also include a sociological study.It is shown that the training of state forensic experts in the Russian Ministry of Justice system for intellectual property forensics, among other things to assess its value, will provide fully competent, unbiased, and independent experts and specialists in the field. The author proposes acknowledging and adding to the List of types of forensic examinations conducted in the Federal budget forensic institutions of the Russian Ministry of Justice the new type of forensic examinations – “Intellectual Property Forensics”.

The Infrared Spectroscopy Applied to Determine the Volume Fraction of Ethyl Alcohol in Alcohol-Containing Liquids

The article addresses the capacity of infrared spectroscopy to determine the strength of alcoholcontaining liquids. The method is based on calculating the ratio of optical densities of the characteristic bands of alcohol and water ( D 1045 /D 1650 ) and determining the volume fraction of ethyl alcohol in the liquid according to the calibration graph plotted in advance. The proposed method does not require sample preparation. It allows us to work with a small volume of the investigated liquid when it is impossible to use standard methods for determining the volume fraction of ethyl alcohol (pycnometric, areometric). Infrared spectra are registered on the equipment typical for forensic institutions of the Ministry of Justice of Russia – an IR-Fourier spectrometer using an attachment for liquid samples or an IR-spectrometer with impaired total internal reflection attachment. The proposed method for determining the strength of alcohol-containing liquids is also suitable for liquids containing flavoring agents and coloring substances and does not require preliminary sample preparation such as distillation. The inaccuracy of determination of ethyl alcohol’s volume fraction in a liquid by the proposed method is ± 5 % rel.

Defence Rights in the Context of Huge Data Sets and Big Data Forensic Tools in Criminal Proceedings

Criminal cases increasingly revolve around extensive data sets consisting of digital evidence and advanced technological search tools such as Hansken, a big data forensic tool developed by the Netherlands Forensic Institute. In this context, lawyers and scientists have already argued that advanced search tools significantly strengthen the position of the prosecution at the expense of the defence, which generally does not have access to these tools. As a result, the defence has little influence to help determine what counts as relevant information in a criminal case and has hardly any possibilities to find exculpatory evidence and to test the reliability of digital evidence. This in turn leads to significant power and knowledge asymmetry. The principle of equality of arms as a core part of the right to a fair trial in Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights provides a good basis for the development of new or more extensively interpreted defence rights that are needed in the digital age. Based on an analysis of recent ECtHR case law, I discuss the level of established rights of the defence with regard to access to the dataset(s) and the advanced search tool in criminal proceedings. Thinking further as to the possible and desirable procedural guarantees in this novel context, I then discuss how the reliability of digital evidence and the process though which it was produced can be ensured and tested by the defence through a logging obligation and a right to counter-expertise.

Management of COVID-19 for Persons with Mental Illness in Secure Units: A Rapid International Review to Inform Practice in Québec

ABSTRACT Most countries have implemented guidelines and policies in response to COVID-19 that have had a direct impact on institutionalized or incarcerated persons with mental health problems. Although these strategies are essential to protect these vulnerable persons from the pandemic, they can also have significant consequences on recovery, well-being, as well as rights and freedoms. Accordingly, we conducted a rapid review to identify strategies, challenges and recommendations for dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak in secure settings for persons with mental illness. While most available publications are not empirical in nature, this knowledge synthesis can nevertheless guide managers of psychiatric and forensic psychiatric institutions, and correctional facilities in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Management of COVID-19 in Forensic Psychiatric Institutions.

Specific guidance on how to manage COVID-19 in forensic psychiatric institutions is necessary because these settings differ substantially from both acute-care psychiatric hospitals and correctional institutions. The challenges raised by COVID-19 in these settings are unique, given the nature of the patients treated, length of stay, and need to collaborate with various partners in the criminal justice system during both the admission and discharge planning processes. This column outlines these specific challenges, which are likely to recur in subsequent epidemics, and suggests potential strategies to address them.

Minor or adult? Introducing decision analysis in forensic age estimation

Nowadays, forensic age estimation takes an important role in worldwide forensic and medico-legal institutes that are solicited by judicial or administrative authorities for providing an expert report on the age of individuals. The authorities’ ultimate issue of interest is often the probability that the person is younger or older than a given age threshold, which is usually the age of majority. Such information is fundamental for deciding whether a person being judged falls under the legal category of an adult. This is a decision that may have important consequences for the individual, depending on the legal framework in which the decision is made. The aim of this paper is to introduce a normative approach for assisting the authority in the decision-making process given knowledge from available findings reported by means of probabilities. The normative approach proposed here has been acknowledged in the forensic framework, and represents a promising structure for reasoning that can support the decision-making process in forensic age estimation. The paper introduces the fundamental elements of decision theory applied to the specific case of age estimation, and provides some examples to illustrate its practical application.

Validity of the MacDonald triad as a forensic construct: Links with psychopathology and patterns of aggression in sex offenders

PurposeThe MacDonald triad is composed of three developmental markers, including cruelty to animals, firesetting, and enuresis after the age of 5. Although there has been considerable interest in this construct initially, research has produced inconsistent results regarding its validity in terms of distinguishing between offender and non‐offender populations, or predicting future offences. The current study investigated the links between the triad, dimensions of psychopathology, and trajectories of aggression in a sample of 254 rapists previously collected from a single forensic mental health institution in the United States.MethodA retrospective temporal design was used to examine associations between variables in a sequence of ten offences.ResultsLatent structure analyses yielded a two‐class solution for the triad indicators, a five‐dimensional model for psychopathology and three trajectories for the aggression variables over a sequence of ten offences. Univariate analyses revealed that the class characterized primarily by a high prevalence of cruelty to animals and firesetting was associated with a higher level of antisocial and aggressive traits, as well as with a trajectory of offending featuring higher levels of expressive aggression, at least during the first few offences in the sequence. These associations were large and weak‐to‐moderate in magnitude, respectively.ConclusionsIf replicated, these findings may suggest that a particular subgroup of sex offenders showing components of the triad are at particular risk of developing antisocial features, thus impacting the level of risk they pose to potential victims and the community.