First Advisor

Kris Henning

Term of Graduation

Spring 2022

Date of Publication

5-18-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Department

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Language

English

Subjects

Risk assessment, Recidivism -- Age factors, Prediction of criminal behavior -- Research

DOI

10.15760/etd.7934

Physical Description

1 online resource (v, 68 pages)

Abstract

The Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI) is one of the most widely used instruments for assessing recidivism risk and treatment needs in correctional settings. The predictive validity of the measure and its predecessor (LSI-R) has been established in meta-analytic studies and research finds that the scale's accuracy is largely independent of sex, race, and ethnicity. Whether the LS/CMI works equally well for different age groups remains in question. The current study assessed the predictive accuracy of the LS/CMI from a sample of 14,940 adults in custody (AIC) released from an Oregon prison between 2011 and 2017 for three age groups: 18 to 39, 40 to 54, and 55 and older. Study findings indicate that age is an important factor to consider when assessing an AICs risk for recidivism. Older adults in custody (55+) recidivated at significantly lower rates than other age groups. Mean LS/CMI score differences were found by age group. The LS/CMI was found to be equally accurate considering age, as higher risk scores were associated with higher recidivism across ages. However, findings also indicated that going beyond accurate scoring is important. LS/CMI cut-points may not be age-responsive, as similar LS/CMI scores produced differing levels of recidivism by age group. The LS/CMI may overclassify the risk of recidivism for older AICs and LS/CMI cut-points may need to be adjusted considering age. A discussion of the findings and how they can inform local policy and correctional assessment practices more broadly is provided.

Rights

© 2022 Sandra Stephanie Lawlor

In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/38103

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