Risk assessment in criminology: basic issues, challenges, and perspectives

Abstract

The article deals with some of the issues of criminological risk research and assessment that continue to pose a challenge. The focus is on individualoriented risk assessment to illustrate the importance of linking risk assessment and interventions. Although some risk assessment tools have shown high predictive power in large studies, we should recognise that risk research is not an end in itself. It is about understanding the differences between risk and danger, because risk is seen as something that can be controlled and prevented by appropriate measures, whereas danger has the connotation of an uncontrollable threat. This leads to the question of risk management and the distinction between correlational risk factors, risk markers and causal factors. It should contribute to practical measures to reduce criminal developments and support evidencebased decisions in criminal justice. By adopting a comprehensive perspective that considers cumulative risk and protective factors, the links between risk assessment
and intervention become essential for risk management.