NCJ Number
216677
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 34 Issue: 5 Dated: September-October 2006 Pages: 523-529
Date Published
September 2006
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study examined the predictive validity and the importance of implementation integrity for predictive effectiveness of the Level of Service Inventory-Revised (LSI-R), which is a risk/need assessment instrument designed to assist correctional agencies in classifying offenders based on risk of reoffending.
Abstract
The initial findings provided some support for the predictive validity of the LSI-R. When the relationship between LSI-R score and future incarceration was examined in the aggregate, the results showed a significant but relatively weak relationship; however, when the relationship between the LSI-R and outcomes was examined separately for agencies that underwent formal LSI-R training for staff, the strength of the relationship was similar to previous validation studies. By contrast, the validity of the LSI-R apparently suffered when the tool was implemented by staff untrained in its use. Further, the relationship between LSI-R and outcome was much stronger for agencies that had been using the LSI-R for more than 3 years prior to when the sample was drawn. This probably indicates that some time is necessary for an agency to train staff in the use of the LSI-R and then ensure that the assessment is being properly conducted. Participants in this study were 2,030 offenders from 9 residential correctional facilities in a large Midwestern State. These facilities provided services and sanctions to offenders convicted of felony offenses and placed under probationary supervision in lieu of incarceration. To be eligible for the study, an offender must have been assessed with the LSI-R. The measure of reoffending was future incarceration. Reoffending data were obtained from a prisoner database maintained by the State Department of Corrections. 2 tables and 17 references