This study sought to explore the underlying dimension(s) of the criminal attitude construct. Exploratory factor analyses using an oblique rotation method were conducted separately on the subscales of the Criminal Sentiments Scale–Modified among a sample of 381 violent male offenders. These procedures yielded four factors reflecting generic criminal attitudes, specific attitudes about the law, generic rationalizations consistent with criminal subcultures, and criminally oriented self-views (i.e., a criminal self-concept). Confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling found these factors to be relatively robust. Supplemental analyses revealed the factors were linked to criminal conduct outcome criteria. These results are discussed in terms of potential future theory, research, and practice of the criminal attitude construct.

Predatory relationships are characterized by violence or threats of violence and their prediction and prevention are matters of critical importance within the custodial setting. In an attempt to predict predatory behavior, 251 consecutive admissions to a secure custody Young Offenders Unit in a maximum security detention centre were administered the Young Offender-Level of Service Inventory (YO-LSI). Subjects ranged in age from 16 to 19 years. Twenty-eight of them subsequently displayed aggressive behavior toward other residents and had to be isolated. The YO-LSI distinguished predators from nonpredators and showed satisfactory interobserver reliability and internal consistency. Results suggested that predators have more extensive criminal histories and criminal sentiments, as well as more substance abuse, educational/employment, family, peer, and psychological problems.

Dynamic risk/need assessment instruments are useful tools in the effective treatment and management of offenders. The Level of Service Inventory-Revised (LSI-R) is a dynamic risk/need assessment instrument that has been used extensively among a variety of offender samples. Although considerable research has shown that the instrument is valid and reliable, there is a lack of information on the predictive validity of the instrument among longer term offenders. In the current study the LSI-R was completed on a sample of 129 Canadian federally incarcerated offenders serving a mean sentence length of 5 years. Scores on the LSI-R were compared to various recidivism criteria during a 15-month follow-up period. Results indicated the instrument had acceptable reliability and predictive validity and distinguished recidivists from nonrecidivists. Results are discussed within the context of the assessment and treatment of longer term offenders.