Accuracy of a New Criminological Risk Assessment Tool in Switzerland: A Randomized Study

• In Event: Evidence-Based Crime Policy IV

Abstract

The criminological risk assessment tool (KARA) has been developed on the basis of the Dutch RISc (Recidivism Assessment scales) and implemented for a test period of 24 months in the remand centre of the city of Basel (Switzerland) from July 2008 to July 2010. KARA tests take place about 48 hours following arrest and pre-trial detention. In order to evaluate the accuracy of KARA, a randomized study was conducted – two thirds of the sample was tested (experimental group) and one third was not (control group). Data from police and criminal files and from the Internal Revenue Service will be used to assess, beyond the accuracy of the instrument, the net effects of passing a test of several hours on future behavior. Little is known so far about effects of testing as such.

Authors

• Gwladys Gilliéron, Distance Learning University of Switzerland

• Martin Killias, Killias Research & Consulting, Switzerland

• Isabelle Baumann, University of Zurich