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<p>This study examines U.S. federal probation officers’ attitudes toward and reported use of risk and needs assessments (RNAs), specifically the Post Conviction Risk Assessment (PCRA), within the framework of the Risk, Need, Responsivity (RNR) model. While RNAs are widely recognized as evidence-based tools for guiding supervision and case management, their practical implementation often faces challenges due to practitioner skepticism, preference for professional discretion, and organizational factors. Data collected from 114 probation officers in a southern federal district revealed generally positive attitudes towards the PCRA for risk classification and case planning, though officers expressed less confidence in its utility for informing treatment decisions. Officers reported frequent use of the PCRA to determine supervision frequency and create case plans; however, discretionary overrides of PCRA recommendations were common. Results indicated that positive attitudes toward the PCRA significantly predicted use, highlighting the importance of fostering buy-in among officers. Findings highlight the need to balance structured decision-making and discretion in community corrections and suggest the need for enhanced training and organizational support to improve RNA implementation fidelity and effectiveness. These insights contribute to understanding barriers in the adoption of evidence-based practices in community corrections.</p>

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Perception Versus Practice: Examining the Use of Risk and Needs Assessments in Community Corrections

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月10日

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  • Jill Viglione,
  • Haley Zettler

摘要

This study examines U.S. federal probation officers’ attitudes toward and reported use of risk and needs assessments (RNAs), specifically the Post Conviction Risk Assessment (PCRA), within the framework of the Risk, Need, Responsivity (RNR) model. While RNAs are widely recognized as evidence-based tools for guiding supervision and case management, their practical implementation often faces challenges due to practitioner skepticism, preference for professional discretion, and organizational factors. Data collected from 114 probation officers in a southern federal district revealed generally positive attitudes towards the PCRA for risk classification and case planning, though officers expressed less confidence in its utility for informing treatment decisions. Officers reported frequent use of the PCRA to determine supervision frequency and create case plans; however, discretionary overrides of PCRA recommendations were common. Results indicated that positive attitudes toward the PCRA significantly predicted use, highlighting the importance of fostering buy-in among officers. Findings highlight the need to balance structured decision-making and discretion in community corrections and suggest the need for enhanced training and organizational support to improve RNA implementation fidelity and effectiveness. These insights contribute to understanding barriers in the adoption of evidence-based practices in community corrections.