The Predictive Validity of the Two-Tiered Violence Risk Estimates Scale (TTV) in a Long Term Follow-Up of High Risk Federal Offenders

Abstract

The reduction of recidivism has been an issue of concern within the criminal justice system in Canada. Several structured risk appraisal measures have been created in order to respond to this need. The Two-Tiered Violence Risk Estimates Scale (TTV) is a measure designed to predict the risk of violent recidivism and to identify risk management areas. The current study examined the predictive validity of the TTV in a sample of Canadian offenders (n = 120). The TTV was compared to the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG), the Statistical Information on Recidivism Scale – Revised (SIR-R1), and the Psychopathy Checklist – Revised (PCL-R). Approximately 53% of the sample reoffended violently. The ARE of the TTV produced a small, significant effect for violent recidivism, and the RMI was non-significant. Measure comparisons showed that there were no differences in predictive validity.