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Validating the Level of Service Inventory-Revised and the Level of Service Inventory: Screening Version with a Sample of Probationers

NCJ Number
227407
Journal
Prison Journal Volume: 89 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2009 Pages: 192-204
Author(s)
Christopher T. Lowenkamp; Brian Lovins; Edward J. Latessa
Date Published
June 2009
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The assessment tools, Level of Service Inventory-Revised (LSI-R) and the Level of Service Inventory: Screening Version (LSI: SV), were examined as predictor of recidivism in probationers.
Abstract
Findings support previous research that has demonstrated that the LSI-R is a valid predictor of recidivism. In addition, the LSI-R showed utility in successfully discriminating between low, low/moderate, and moderate risk probationers. Nonetheless, it is still recommended that correctional agencies continue to collect LSI-R data on probationers and continue to validate the instrument on a regular basis. This will provide agencies with the ability to adjust the cutoffs as the population changes, monitor the most common needs of offenders, ensure programming is available, and monitor changes in the risk of the offender population serving in a particular jurisdiction. Agencies can use the data for quality assurance, to ensure that the LSI-R is administered accurately. The LSI-R also demonstrated similar results for male and female probationers. The LSI: SV was correlated slightly lower with arrests and incarcerations than the LSI-R, but the raw values were not statistically different. Data were collected from 483 offenders (369 males and 116 females); 143 had successfully completed probation while 116 were unsuccessful. Tables and references

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