Examining implementation of the Stable & Acute dynamic risk assessment pilot in England & Wales
About this study
The research evaluated implementation of the Stable & Acute 07 (S & A) pilot. This policy introduced an assessment tool for police and probation staff to use in identifying factors predictive of imminent offending among sexual offenders. This research found that:
Police and probation staff valued the use of the tool because they felt it improved their own skills and in turn enhanced risk management practice. In particular they reported:
- Increased awareness of critical issues
- More targeted response to offenders
- Improved partnership working
The tool therefore shows good promise, but the pilot highlighted some important potential limitations:
- Models for delivery varied
- There were concerns about the reliability of the tool. When this was tested by different experts and officers rating the same cases, different results were achieved.
- Officers raised concerns that having identified offenders needs, routes to address these were not always open to them
Potential policy impact
Improved identification of risk factors might improve sexual offender management by helping to: identify appropriate treatment/intervention, assess offender progress, and monitor risks presented by offenders in the community.
Methods
Qualitative interviews with strategic and operational police and probation staff, and with offenders under supervision; Quantitative analysis of MI data collated during the pilot; Inter-rater relaiability testing.
- NatCen Social Research
- 35 Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0AX
- Charity no. 1091768
