Canceled: An Exploratory Analysis of the Implementation Gap of Risk and Needs Assessments by Probation Officers

SESSION INFO

Wednesday, August 31, 2022
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Session Type: Workshop

Despite the LS/CMI risk and needs assessment being empirically validated in identifying the risk, needs, and responsivity of offenders, research has shown that probation officers are not consistently using the Level of Service/Case Management Inventory to supervise offenders. This study sought to explore reasons for this implementation gap through qualitative interviews with probation officers. Results of the study will be shared with participants as well as a brief overview of the scholarly literature of risk and needs assessments along with a discussion of the eight criminogenic needs and how the eight criminogenic needs relate to risk assessment and supervision.

SESSION PRESENTERS

Amber Laffin
Doctoral Student, North Central University


Amber Laffin joined Bemidji State University in 2018 as an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice. Courses taught include Community Corrections, Principles of Criminal Justice Supervision, Corrections and Penology, Criminal Justice and Domestic Violence, and Criminal Justice Research Methods and Statistics. Prior to joining Bemidji State University, she worked both in the State of Minnesota and the State of Wyoming in Probation, Parole, and Intensive Supervised Release. Her primary areas of supervision included adult felony enhanced, domestic violence, and sex offender caseloads. She obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of North Dakota, her Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati, and currently has all but her dissertation completed towards her Doctorate Degree in Criminal Justice from Northcentral University.