Forensics

Question 1

What is the RRASOR?

What are the 4 main factors it considers?

Answer 1

The Rapid Risk Assessment for Sex Offence Recidivism (RRASOR) is an actuarial tool developed to assess the likelihood of sexual reoffending. It is one of the simplest tools, relying on four empirically validated factors:

1) Number of prior sex offence convictions or charges: More prior offences indicate a higher risk of recidivism.

2) Age of the offender: Offenders younger than 25 years old tend to have a higher risk of reoffending.

3) Victim relationship: Offenders who are unrelated to their victim are at higher risk.

4) Victim’s gender: Offenders targeting male victims show a higher recidivism rate.

The RRASOR is used as part of a broader assessment process in predicting future risk. Its simplicity allows for use in various settings, though it is often integrated with other, more comprehensive tools for a fuller picture of an individual’s risk.R17689

Question 2

What is the HCR-20 and how is it carried out?

Answer 2

The HCR-20 is a risk assessment tool used for adults, which considers past, present, and future factors, and is used to assess the risk of future violence. It stands for:

Historical
Clinical
Risk Management

The HCR-20 advocates for a structured professional judgment approach, combining both actuarial data and clinical judgment. The assessor reviews historical records, conducts clinical interviews, and uses informed professional judgment to rate each item as present, partially present, or absent.

Question 3

How is the HCR-20 scored?

Answer 3

Scoring Criteria: Each item on the HCR-20 is scored typically on a 3-point scale:

0 = Absent: The factor is not present or is considered irrelevant to the risk of violence.
1 = Partially Present or Possibly Present: The factor may be present to some extent but not fully, or there is some evidence to suggest its presence, but it is not conclusive.
2 = Clearly Present: The factor is clearly evident and relevant to the individual’s risk of violence.