The Role of Offender Risk Assessment: A Policy Maker Guide

Abstract

Abstract One of the foundations of developing effective correctional practices is the adoption of a validated risk assessment instrument. Risk assessments offer correctional agencies a clear understanding of the level of risk an offender poses to the community, as well as appropriate targets for change. Agencies that adopt a valid risk assessment recognize that the resources it takes to conduct a risk assessment are offset by the time savings it provides in the long run. The recent advancement from second and third generation tools to fourth generation tools provides even more utility for correctional agencies. Fourth generation tools offer an integrated case plan system that is driven directly from the results of the assessment and assists correctional staff in targeting those criminogenic needs that are identified as moderate risk to high risk. Although adopting a validated risk assessment is only one step in conducting evidence based interventions, it is a necessary step to ensure that agencies are targeting the right offender and are addressing the right targets.