Summary
Cognitive-behavioral researchers have identified a plethora of dynamic and static risk factors to consider when assessing violence risk potential. These factors may be assessed with self-report measures, interviews, collateral contacts, behavioral observations, and analogue procedures. Assessment for violence risk is a lengthy process, with some arguing for a two-step approach that involves screening questions followed by the collection of more detailed information in areas of identified risk. Integration of the information collected is essential and raises the difficulty of the optimal means of weighting and combining the information. Two general methods for combining information are available: clinical and actuarial methods. Use of either method contains drawbacks, and there is current support for supplementing clinical decision making with actuarial methods.