Risk assessment and management in criminal justice and psychiatry

Abstract

This article places risk assessment and management in criminal justice and mental health in brief historical context. It then considers concepts of risk and dangerousness, before examining the extent to which being ‘wise after the event’ may be helpful. Ways in which risk assessment and management might be improved and attempts to de-mystify the process are then discussed.

Key Words:

• risk
• danger
• communication
• vulnerability
• baseline
• management supervision