Reducing the risk of recidivism

by Nicole Findlay

Through his research Ralph Serin, a forensic psychologist, attempts to answer the question that plagues every parole board member. 

Specifically, which inmate runs the risk of committing another crime if released into the community, and which prisoner has been rehabilitated and no longer is a threat. 

His Criminal Justice Decision Making Lab assesses the process of prisoner rehabilitation.

For correctional treatment to be effective, prisoners must be ready undergo therapy.  Some are truly committed to change, while others are paying lip service to a process that might help eventually secure their release from prison. A part of Serin’s work is identifying those who are genuine and are committed to change versus those playing the system.

His research team has developed a variety questionnaires and rating scales to assess offender change.

Serin has also developed a dynamic risk assessment scale that parole officers can use to determine factors that either increase risk of re-offence or protect individual from recidivism. 

Correctional Service of Canada is one of Serin’s research partners, but his influence extends to the United States and New Zealand. Through a recent grant, his team will be developing new training materials for parole officers in the US.

The Criminal Justice Decision Making Lab has also developed a structured decision framework implemented by the Parole Board of Canada to guide parole board members in making accurate decisions.

“We have also overseen training of all federal parole officers regarding structured decision making,” said Serin.  “We currently have a grant from the National Institute of Corrections to replicate this work in paroling authorities in the United States.”