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Psychopathy as a Measure of Offender Risk: An Important Component of a Comprehensive Risk Assessment Battery  


Author:  Matthew  S. Shane.; Kent  A. Kiehl.


Source: Volume 07, Number 01, January/February 2007 , pp.01-07(7)




Offender Substance Abuse Report

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Abstract: 

This article reviews the construct of psychopathy, as assessed with the Hare Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL-R), and presents evidence demonstrating the highly predictive nature of this comprehensive risk assessment device. The PCL-R makes use of a detailed clinical interview in combination with a review of actuarial information, thus providing a comprehensive evaluation of the individual’s personality and personal history. Substantial evidence now confirms that the PCL-R acts as a potent predictor of a wide variety of criminal characteristics, including nonviolent, violent, sex-related, and recidivistic offenses.

Keywords: risk assessment

Affiliations:  1: University of New Mexico; 2: University of New Mexico.

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