Enhancing risk decision making through critical path analysis

Abstract

This paper examines the utility of critical path analysis as a training tool to improve the risk decision making of probation officers. The paper reviews the common risk assessment errors, and presents a method to enable practitioners systematically to analyse their own assessment practice, and to make a distinction between risk assessments based upon an informed knowledge base and those based upon cognitive bias.

The training material is presented in some detail, as is the participant feedback. The paper concludes by reviewing the likely usefulness of critical path analysis to practitioners in the field and its role in evaluating risk practice more generally.