Jennifer L. Skeem and Devon L. L. Polaschek publication “High risk, not hopeless: correctional intervention for people at risk for violence“, discussing effective ways to identify and reduce risk of reoffending for people at high risk of recidivism, is highlighted in a new Marquette Law Review special symposium issue on preventing violent reoffending.

Abstract:

Across the United States, jurisdictions are working to reduce absurdly high incarceration rates without jeopardizing historically low crime rates. Well validated risk assessment can identify people at low risk who can be managed safely in the community. But what about high-risk people? In this Article, we synthesize research on effective ways to identify and reduce risk of reoffending among people at high risk of recidivism, including people with psychopathic traits. To maximize the impact of criminal justice reform, we recommend that policymakers prioritize high risk clients for treatment, provide treatments most likely to work with these clients, and reframe incarceration as an opportunity for excellent service provision.