Abstract
This paper examines prison violence and describes existing methods for assessing risk for violent behavior. It analyzes factors contributing to or reducing institutional violence. It also looks at factors contributing to violent behavior in general and discusses major theories of aggression and violent behavior. The paper then analyzes current methods for predicting short and long term risk of violence in various settings, in order to develop a conceptual framework for predicting inmate violence while incarcerated.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Strategies for Assessing Future Risk of Violence
Actuarial Risk Assessment
Clinical Risk Assessment
Psychopathy and Violence
Method
Violence among Inmates
Assaults In Correctional Facilities
Mental Health Screening In Correctional Facilities
Violence Prevention Programs

From the Paper
"A computer-based test interpretation (CBTI) system is a system that screens inmates for mental health issues in correctional facilities. This system was reviewed and tested to see if it is valid and useful. To begin this review, 100 adult male felons were administered a brief mental status interview and a series of psychological tests, including the MMPI, the revised Beta IQ Examination, and the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory. Psychiatric diagnoses and CBTI ratings of victimization, violence, suicide, and substance abuse potentials were compared with clinicians' evaluations. Second, CBTI diagnosed 109 inmates and were compared with Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) diagnoses. Finally, CBTI risk ratings were compared with institutional infraction records of 1, 718 inmates. An agreement between CBTI and clinicians' risk ratings decided that this was in fact a fair diagnosis, and the diagnoses ranged from 60% to 93%. (Psychological Assessment, 1992, p. 138)"

Tags:CBTI, prisoner, assault, offender