Actuarial and clinical assessment of criminogenic needs: identifying supervision priorities among federal probation officers

Abstract

Abstract The science and methodology of offender assessment have undergone distinct and increasingly rapid changes over the last several decades. The field of corrections is currently well into the 'third generation' of actuarial assessment development, and instruments that utilize both static and dynamic predictors are commonplace. Despite the existence of some well-established risk/need assessment tools, improvements can be made regarding predictive validity (not to mention predictive strength). In addition, work needs to be done regarding the application of these tools. Regardless of how well these instruments work in the 'laboratory', tests need to be done to insure that they really are aiding practitioners in the identification of the relevant need factors for targeting and intervention. The current research examines the need for a new third-generation tool developed onUS federal probation clients, by examining the ability of probation officers to identify criminogenic needs. Keywords: riskneedsresponsivityassessmentPCRA Acknowledgement Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the official position, opinion, or policies of the Administrative Office of the US Courts. Notes 1. Interested readers may request a copy of the vignette used in the training.