Champion, an expert on criminal behavior, paroling, and sentencing, assesses how the justice system makes critical decisions about offender risks and needs. This sourcebook evaluates the instruments and methods used by local, state, and federal authorities at different stages and in different environments to handle both adult and juvenile offenders. Criminologists, penologists, and law enforcement personnel will see ways to optimize institutional classifications and parole board decisions, and to deal appropriately with various types of offenders. Appendices and a comprehensive bibliography, along with a complete index, enhance the usefulness of this reference tool.

Preface
Risk Assessment and Dangerousness: An Historical Analysis
The Criminal Justice System and Predictions of Risk: Variations in Instrumentation
Selective Incapacitation and Recidivism: An Examination of the Issues
Classification in Correctional Settings: Risk as a Determinant of Level-of-Custody Decision Making
Parole and Other Options: Factors Influencing Early-Release Decisions
Risk Assessment in Retrospect: Current Trends
Appendices: Forms: Adult
Forms and Figure: Juvenile
Cases Cited
Bibliography
Name Index
Subject Index