Assessments of the dangerousness of mental patients held in maximum security

Abstract

This paper addresses issues related to the prediction of violent and nonviolent recidivism among adult male offenders. Issues reviewed are: (a) problems affecting the accurate prediction of offender's recidivism; (b) variables associated with the prediction of recidivism; and (c) the process of completing and communicating prediction reports. Suggestions for making accurate predictions are put forward along with a brief description of five actuarial measurements.