Real Lives and Data Points: Practical Implementation Barriers for Evidence Based Risk Assessment for Correctional Professionals

• In Event: Effective Case Management Strategies in Community Corrections

Abstract

Drawing on semi-structured interviews that are prompted by quantitative findings, and from supplemental survey data, elicited from 24 correctional practitioners from a single state, we examine general barriers to use and confidence in evidence based assessments. Findings reveal that resource issues and demands on staff underlie skepticism about the practicality of risk assessment. Additional problems include well-known sources of skepticism about the accuracy and utility of data such as predictive limitations. Recognition of population heterogeneity, specification problems due to data lags as opposed to recent observation, and lacking guidance on appropriate use of risk scores are additional reservations. Despite these problems, officers generally are optimistic about the current state of risk assessment for general purposes and they sometimes use scores and instruments beyond the intended purposes, which offsets skepticism. We conclude by drawing lessons for criminologists and administrators for overcoming implementation barriers, and increasing the utility and legitimacy of risk assessment devices among practitioners.

Authors

• Andy Hochstetler, Iowa State University

• David J. Peters, Iowa State University

• Heith Copes, University of Alabama at Birmingham