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Forensic Assessment via Videoconferencing: Issues and Practice Considerations

“…The utility of VC is not confined to psychotherapy or other clinical endeavors (Adjorlolo 2015;Grosch et al, 2011;Zur, 2012). The available evidence suggests growing interest in the forensic use of VC, including assessment (see Brett & Blumberg, 2006;Richardson et al, 2009;Saleem & Stankard, 2006). Practitioners should pay careful consideration to pertinent issues that may impact on the assessment process and the results.…”

“…However, from a clinical perspective, the pressing and lingering question relates to whether VCgenerated assessment reports produced for the courts would be comparable to or could supersede the traditional face-to-face medium. Although VC is comprehensively supportive of forensic assessment (Brett & Blumberg, 2006;Saleem & Stankard, 2006), forensic consultations and treatments (e.g., Khalifa et al, 2008;Nelson et al, 2013), discussing inmates' sensitive issues , and remote testaments (e.g., United States v. Guild, 2008), it is worth noting that the characteristics that make VC suitable for these services starkly contrast with those required for assessment endeavors. Illustrating, in its simplistic form, a secure and stable Internet connection, Downloaded by [New York University] at 21:13 19 July 2015 and using VC equipment with well-functioning and high-quality audiovisual systems are presumably enough for a remote witness to testify during criminal proceedings.…”

“…Given the rapid infiltration of VC into existing work practices of several professionals, forensic practitioners cannot afford to lag behind in using the technology in their Downloaded by [New York University] at 21:13 19 July 2015 professional endeavors as the world increasingly becomes technology oriented. Interest in using VC for court-referred assessments (Brett & Blumberg, 2006;Saleem & Stankard, 2006) is growing, and is a trend that is expected to increase with time. Although the quantum of empirical studies is less compared with studies on the usage of VC for nonforensic purposes (see, for instance, Drum & Littleton, 2014;Sullivan, Chapman, & Mullen, 2008), a recent review noted the increased use of VC for forensic mental health services for incarcerated patients (Richardson, Freuh, Grubaugh, Johnson, & Egede, 2009; also see above).…”