NCJ Number
187790
Date Published
2000
Length
90 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes an evaluation of the effectiveness of the two main assessment instruments currently used in probation services in England and Wales: the LSI-R (Level of Service Inventory-Revised) and ACE (Assessment, Case Management and Evaluation).
Abstract
The focus of the study was on 2,000 offenders who were assessed by using either the ACE or the LSI-R. It examined the instruments' ability to predict the risk of recidivism, to reliably assess risk and needs of the offender, and to measure any changes in these factors over time. The LSI-R is an assessment instrument initially developed in Canada. The LSI-R provides a convenient record of factors to be reviewed prior to case classification; is useful as a quantitative decision aid in case classification; and assists in the appropriate allocation of resources both within and among offices. Developed in the United Kingdom in the mid-1990's, the ACE enables probation officers to assess the criminogenic needs of offenders in a comprehensive and consistent way, to plan supervision to target appropriate needs, and to use repeated assessments to monitor progress and evaluate how far supervision has been successful in addressing targeted needs. This study found that both assessment instruments predicted reconviction at a much higher level than chance, and they had good reliability. In addition, they measured change in direction that is comparable with their risk of reconviction. The study concludes that both instruments would be suitable for use within probation services for the accurate and reliable assessment of offenders. Appended study data and 47 references