IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RISK ASSESSMENT IN PRISON SENTENCING

Abstract

Parallel to the growing knowledge on the principles of effective treatment of offenders, during the last two decades, there has been significant development in the field of risk assessment. However, there is little research on the use of standardized risk assessment procedures in practice. The objective of this study is to determine the relationship between the individual level of risk and characteristics of the treatment of inmates in the Tuzla Semi-Open Correctional Facility. The sample consisted of 67 inmates of both sexes (70.1% male and 22.9% female), aged from 24 to 67 (M = 40.60; SD = 10.81). Data was collected by analyzing the official records. Results of this study reveals few differences in the treatment of inmates according to their risk level. Statistically significant differences were recorded in 2 of 12 treatment characteristics, namely, an internal classification and the frequency of the individual meeting with a counsellor. These findings indicate the obstacles in the implementation of risk assessment in routine practice.