This article provides an overview of SARA (Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment) Risk Assessment, a widely-used method for identifying and addressing community safety concerns.
The history of SARA, including its origins and evolution, will be discussed.
Additionally, the components of SARA Risk Assessment, namely scanning, analysis, response, and assessment, will be examined in detail.
This article aims to provide a concise and informative analysis of SARA Risk Assessment, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of its purpose and methodology.
What is SARA Risk Assessment?
SARA, which stands for Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment, is a comprehensive approach to risk assessment commonly used in law enforcement and crime prevention.
This focuses on the benefits of using the SARA Risk Assessment methodology and the types of risk assessments that can be conducted within the SARA framework.
Risk Assessment and Validity, The risk of violence made by individuals, particularly in the context of spousal assault, has become a critical concern in modern society.
Various tools, such as the 12-item risk assessment tool and the 54-item actuarial risk assessment tool, have been developed to gauge the risk of victimization and the potential for violent crimes.
These tools are often evaluated for their concurrent validity, validity in adults, and validity with respect to specific populations, such as non-recidivistic spousal assaulters. Studies by Hilton et al. have explored these aspects, focusing on applying clinical judgment and actuarial approaches.
Treatment and Recidivism Addressing the issue of violence requires comprehensive treatment planning, including drug treatment and interpersonal treatment.
Programs such as the Wife assault treatment and other specialized treatment programs aim to reduce intimate partner and domestic violence recidivism.
The effectiveness of these programs is often measured using the Recidivism Scale, and research such as the 21590649 Review and 24913749 Review has provided insights into their adequate, interrater, and structural reliability.
Legal and Correctional Perspectives Civil justice and rights advocates play a vital role in addressing family-related assault, assault of strangers, and sexual assault.
The Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics and agencies like British Columbia Corrections and Canada Correctional Service focus on various kinds of offenders, including domestic violence offenders, sexual offenders, and Aboriginal offenders.
Tools such as the 10-item risk management tool and the 14-item risk assessment tool are utilized to assess dangerousness in sex offender commitment proceedings and Federal offender family violence cases.
Community and Safety Considerations Community resident offenders pose unique challenges regarding safety planning and implementing safety measures. The Safety Analysis Risk Assessment is a critical component in this regard, often utilizing a 3-point scale to evaluate moderate levels of risk.
Programs for spousal assaulters, both recidivistic and non-recidivistic, have been developed, with research by Kropp 2008 and others providing valuable insights.
Collaboration with victim advocates, actual victims, and agencies like Statistics Canada ensures that absolute measures are taken to protect the community.
Correctional Approaches and Research The Canada Correctional Service, in collaboration with the British Columbia Institute, has been instrumental in addressing issues related to violent offenders.
Intensive supervision, differences between inmates, and ratings of inmates are critical aspects of this approach.
Studies such as the national file review study have highlighted methodological issues and prediction issues, leading to improved report generation and the effectiveness of disciplinary strategies, including alcohol abuse treatment and the program for spousal assaulters.
Benefits of Using SARA Risk Assessment
The benefits of utilizing SARA risk assessment include its ability to identify and analyze key risk factors, provide a systematic approach to problem-solving, and enhance the effectiveness of crime prevention strategies.
Risk assessment is a valuable tool in the criminal justice system as it helps professionals to evaluate the likelihood of future criminal behavior. It allows for identifying risk factors that may contribute to criminal behavior, such as a history of violence or substance abuse.
SARA risk assessment also helps determine appropriate treatment options for offenders, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of their risk levels.
Moreover, the validity and reliability of the SARA risk assessment tool have been extensively researched, with studies demonstrating its predictive validity in areas such as intimate partner violence and recidivism.
Types of Risk Assessments in SARA
One common type of risk assessment utilized within the SARA framework is problem-oriented risk assessment. This assessment identifies and analyses the underlying problems contributing to criminal behavior and violence.
It aims to understand the dynamics of the problem, the factors that contribute to it, and the potential for future harm to victims and communities.
The problem-oriented risk assessment involves several key components, including:
- Identifying risk factors associated with violence and criminal recidivism.
- Assessing the likelihood of reoffending and the severity of potential harm.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of current interventions and community supervision strategies.
- Developing targeted intervention plans to address the underlying problems and reduce the risk of future violence and harm.
History of SARA
The development of the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Adults (SARA) can be attributed to the efforts of various researchers in the field of forensic psychology.
One notable figure in the creation of SARA is Stephen D. Hart, a renowned expert in violence risk assessment. Hart played a significant role in the conceptualization and design of SARA, contributing his expertise in risk assessment and violence prediction.
The development of SARA involved using structural analyses, which helped identify and organise the key factors that contribute to the assessment of violence risk in adults.
Development of SARA
In developing the SARA (Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment) model, researchers recognized the need for a systematic approach to identifying and addressing community crime problems.
This led to the creation of risk assessment tools, standardized measures used to assess individual risk factors and predict the likelihood of future violent criminality.
One important aspect of these tools is their discriminant validity, which refers to their ability to accurately distinguish between individuals who pose a high risk of violence and those who do not.
To ensure the reliability and validity of these risk assessment tools, researchers have relied on various sources of information, including police reports and the history of spousal violence.
Additionally, internal consistency and validity of judgments concerning risk factors have been key considerations in developing and evaluating these tools.
Stephen D. Hart’s Role in the Creation of SARA
Stephen D. Hart played a significant role in developing the systematic approach to identifying and addressing community crime problems, eventually leading to the creation of the SARA model.
His work focused on assessing and managing risk, particularly in the context of domestic violence.
Hart’s research and contributions have been instrumental in improving the validity and reliability of violence risk assessments in Canada and beyond. He has extensively reviewed various aspects of risk assessment, including emotional abuse, substance abuse, and psychosocial adjustment.
Hart’s work has influenced criminal justice professionals’ practices, providing them with evidence-based tools to assess and manage violence-related risks.
His contributions have significantly impacted the field, particularly in domestic violence risk assessment, supervision of inmates, and the assessment of threats of death and assault of family members and strangers.
Structural Analyses Used in Developing SARA
In developing the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Adults (SARA), researchers utilized structural analyses to ensure the validity and reliability of the assessment tool. The following points highlight the key aspects of these structural analyses:
- Checklist of risk factors: A comprehensive checklist of risk factors associated with violence was compiled to guide the assessment process. This checklist included past violence, substance abuse, and psychopathy.
- Point scale: Each risk factor was assigned a specific score on a point scale, allowing for the quantification of risk levels. This scoring system facilitated the comparison and interpretation of risk markers across individuals.
- Distribution of ratings indicated risk level: After completing the checklist, trained assessors assigned ratings to each risk factor based on their professional judgments. The distribution of these ratings indicated the individual’s overall risk level for violence.
Components of SARA Risk Assessment
This focuses on the identification of an individual’s level of risk for violent criminality. It explores the key factors and methods used in assessing this risk, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the process.
Identifying the Individual’s Level of Risk for Violent Criminality
The level of an individual’s risk for violent criminality can be identified through an objective assessment process that considers various factors such as history, psychological indicators, and environmental influences.
This process involves using standardized tools and methods to evaluate the individual’s potential for engaging in violent behavior.
Some key factors considered in the assessment include the individual’s criminal history, any previous convictions for violent offenses, and their current legal status.
Psychological indicators, such as manic symptoms or a history of aggression, are also considered. Environmental influences, such as exposure to violence or a lack of social support, are also examined.
The assessment process is typically conducted by trained professionals, such as forensic psychologists or psychiatrists, who adhere to professional ethics committees and follow a quality control checklist.
Review boards and legal professionals can use the assessment results to make informed decisions regarding the individual’s risk level and appropriate interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Limitations of SARA Risk Assessment?
The limitations of SARA risk assessment include its reliance on historical crime data, which may not accurately reflect current patterns, and its inability to account for dynamic and evolving crime situations.
How Is SARA Risk Assessment Different From Other Risk Assessment Methods?
Sara Risk Assessment differs from other risk assessment methods due to its unique focus on specific factors such as sex, age, and race. This approach allows for a more tailored and nuanced analysis of risk factors and may lead to more accurate predictions.
Are There Any Legal Requirements for Conducting SARA Risk Assessment?
Legal requirements for conducting Sara Risk Assessment vary by jurisdiction. Regulations may exist at the national, state, or local level, including requirements for risk assessment methodologies, documentation, reporting, and periodic review. Compliance with these requirements is essential to ensure legal and regulatory compliance.
How Often Should SARA Risk Assessment Be Conducted?
The frequency of conducting risk assessments is influenced by various factors, such as the nature of the activity or environment being assessed, regulatory requirements, and changes in circumstances. Determining the appropriate frequency requires careful consideration of these factors.
Can SARA Risk Assessment Be Used in Different Industries, or Is It Specific to a Certain Sector?
The applicability of the Sara Risk Assessment tool across industries is a matter of inquiry. The extent to which it can be utilized in various sectors is yet to be determined and warrants further research and investigation.
Conclusion
SARA Risk Assessment, an acronym for Scanning, Analysis, Response, and Assessment, is a widely used tool in criminology to identify and address community safety concerns.
Developed in the 1970s, SARA has been instrumental in crime prevention and problem-solving efforts.
The components of SARA include identifying and analyzing problems, devising strategies, implementing interventions, and evaluating their effectiveness. By following these steps, law enforcement agencies and community organizations can collaboratively work towards reducing crime and improving community well-being.
SARA Risk Assessment is an essential framework for addressing crime and enhancing public safety.
Chris Ekai is a Risk Management expert with over 10 years of experience in the field. He has a Master’s(MSc) degree in Risk Management from University of Portsmouth and is a CPA and Finance professional. He currently works as a Content Manager at Risk Publishing, writing about Enterprise Risk Management, Business Continuity Management and Project Management.
