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Mean insight scores in patients with schizophrenia with a forensic history do not differ significantly from those in non-forensic populations. Being more aware of being mentally ill may be a risk factor for hopelessness about the future. The limitations of the study are the small sample size, and the fact that it is confined to a relatively clinically stable population.

Despite increasing concerns regarding the prevalence of violent behaviour in mainstream mental health settings, the impressive body of forensic research on violence risk assessment has thus far had only limited impact on front-line general mental health practice. The common objection raised by clinicians that risk assessment tools lack utility for clinical practice may contribute to this. The present paper argues that this objection, although understandable, is misplaced. Usage of appropriate, validated risk assessment tools can augment standard clinical approaches in a number of ways. Some of their advantages derive simply from having a well-structured approach, others from consideration of specific kinds of risk factors: 'static' and 'dynamic'. The inappropriate use of tools without a firm evidence base, however, is unlikely to enhance clinical practice significantly.