Gordon Graham
Category: Corrections, Law Enforcement
Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for all my friends in the criminal justice system. I’d like to talk about the benefits of using risk assessment instruments – or RAIs.
Risk assessment instruments can help agencies and practitioners target interventions and treatments for those at the highest risk to re-offend.
The history of risk prediction in criminal justice dates back to the early 1900s. Early risk assessments relied on the professional judgment, training, and experience of corrections staff to determine whether someone was likely to comply with supervision conditions.
Since those early days, RAIs have come a long way. Today, fourth-generation actuarial risk and needs assessments are used at different stages in the criminal justice process.
Law enforcement agencies use RAIs to refer individuals to behavioral health treatment. Probation and parole agencies use them to assess supervision and treatment levels. Correctional facilities use them to inform classification, housing, treatment, and release decisions. And courts rely on them for decisions about pretrial release and sentencing.
If you’re not using RAIs, now may be a good time to consider them. But first, look at the research and talk with practitioners in your field. Make sure you and your staff receive training on how to interview and assess individuals. And, get formal training from the RAI developer or an authorized trainer for the instruments you’re using.
By now, you’re probably asking how assessing offender risk benefits your agency. The short answer? RAIs can help agencies and practitioners target interventions and treatments for those at the highest risk to re-offend. The result is lower rates of recidivism and more efficient use of limited resources.
All these elements are crucial to criminal justice operations. Take a moment to learn about RAIs and how they can help your agency improve necessary functions. Your community depends on it.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, Gordon Graham signing off.
