Chapter 2 - The Empirical Base of PCC and the RNR Model of Assessment and Crime Prevention Through Human Service

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the current state of knowledge in regard to three major sets of issues: (1) empirical understandings of the predictors of criminal conduct, (2) empirical understandings of the ability to influence the occurrence of criminal activity, and (3) a summary of the applied value of this knowledge base as it may be outlined and rendered practical through a model of correctional assessment and rehabilitation. That model is widely known as the risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model of correctional assessment and rehabilitative programming. The RNR model of correctional assessment and treatment is based on a general personality and cognitive social learning perspective on human behavior, including criminal behavior and the major risk, need, and responsivity factors involved in crime prevention through the delivery of human and social services. The “big four” risk/need factors are antisocial personality pattern, history of antisocial behavior, antisocial attitudes, and antisocial associates. The “central eight” includes the big four, along with substance abuse and problematic circumstances in the domains of family/marital, school/work, and leisure recreation. It is possible to produce similar but differently organized lists of risk/need factors.