How to Know Where the Risk Is and Can the Brain Help Us?

Recidivism, the tendency for individuals to reoffend after release from incarceration or forensic settings, impacts both the individuals themselves and society at large. Managing the risks associated with recidivism requires a thorough understanding of the factors contributing to it and implementing effective risk assessment protocols. It is of utmost significance to reliably conduct risk assessments, because without proper risk assessment, decisions regarding the reintegration of former prisoners and forensic patients into society can be fraught with uncertainty and, in the case of risk to (violent) recidivism, even potential danger to society. By systematically evaluating an individual’s risk factors, professionals can tailor interventions and support mechanisms to mitigate the likelihood of reoffending, ultimately fostering successful reintegration. In this chapter, we will provide a brief overview of the most widely used risk assessment tools for violent recidivism in adults and discuss the potential contribution of neuropsychological findings in this domain.