Evaluation

In this chapter, the authors address evaluations across settings and contexts, such as mental health screenings conducted in community, outpatient, and inpatient settings, with particular attention to the considerations necessary for evaluators, including the need to develop and maintain firearm-specific and cultural competence. They present considerations associated with seven firearm-related subcultures that medical and mental health practitioners are likely to encounter with some regularity. They also speak to the importance of researchers, academics, and students developing such competence. They outline the concept of forensic mental health assessment and demonstrate how certain firearm-specific evaluations are a type of this. They provide considerations related to evaluating civilians applying for firearm permits and those seeking reinstatement of gun rights in forfeiture matters. They review the various models of risk assessment and a firearm-specific framework for conducting these evaluations: the Pirelli Firearm-10. Considerations for law enforcement and related professions are also presented.