While many risk assessment tools have been subjected to validation studies, less research has examined their utility with white-collar offenders. Given that white-collar offenders tend to have different social and economic backgrounds than other types of offenders, it is important to understand how risk assessment applies to this population and how risk assessment might help judges and other court and correctional decision makers understand risk of future harm among this understudied group. We examine the ability of the Post Conviction Risk Assessment to predict revocation on a sample of 31,306 white-collar offenders by reviewing the predictive validity of the risk levels and risk score. The analyses support the use of risk assessment with white-collar offenders and provide further support for applying the risk and needs principles to what is considered a unique population. Other implications for risk assessment and judicial decision making are discussed.

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While much research in community corrections examines ways in which direct supervision can reduce recidivism, less is known about the role of paroling authorities in using or supporting evidence-based practices. This study presents a selection of results from a survey of paroling authorities across the United States conducted in 2015. We analyze and discuss survey results on the following three topics: (1) What is the structure and power/authority of the paroling authorities? (2) What are the appointments and requirements of paroling authorities? and (3) What evidence-based practices are paroling authorities utilizing? These results demonstrate the state of evidence-based practices in parole decision-making and illustrate ways in which paroling authorities can implement policies and practices that promote sustainability of evidence-based practices in community supervision. The findings indicate that many paroling authorities have adopted policies supportive of evidence-based practices; however, there are some areas in which parole can create continuity and promote better application of them.

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