---
title: "Community Corrections: Risky Business"
description: Risk is a central theme in community corrections and assessing client and offender risk is necessary in applying the appropriate intervention.
image: https://www.correcttech.com/hs-fs/file-2581685139-png/Blog_Images/RiskPrincipleSimplifiedimage.png
---

[![CorrectTech_logo-left](https://www.correcttech.com/hs-fs/hub/393518/file-2078952389.png?width=350&name=file-2078952389.png "CorrectTech_logo-left")](https://www.correcttech.com/)

# [Community Corrections: Risky Business](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/risk-principle-defined-community-corrections)

#### Posted by [Evan C. Crist, Psy.D.](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/author/evan-c-crist-psy-d) on 3/5/15 11:14 AM

[Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

***This is the 1st of a 7 part series on The Risk Principle Simplified. *** **********[Subscribe to our blog](https://www.correcttech.com/blog) **********and get the series delivered right to your inbox.******

## The Risk Principle Simplified

**Risk: The possibility of an adverse event.**

“Risk” is a central theme in community corrections. In fact, I’ll bet that the first four concepts you learned when you entered the community corrections field were something like this:![RiskPrincipleImage-blue](https://www.correcttech.com/hs-fs/file-2581685139-png/Blog_Images/RiskPrincipleSimplifiedimage.png?width=233&name=RiskPrincipleSimplifiedimage.png "RiskPrincipleImage-blue")

- Assessment of criminogenic risk is vital
- An objective risk assessment should be utilized
- Intervention intensity should match risk level
- Over-treating low risk clients can make them worse

If you entered this field due to your desire to provide treatment to offenders, you may have grown tired of the emphasis on risk with this population. As a clinical psychologist who has dedicated his life to developing and implementing offender treatment programs, I understand your frustration. It can be difficult to focus on treatment in a corrections setting that emphasizes actuarial risk more than individual potential. However, risk is not just an academic concept, and the focus on risk is not ancillary to the treatment goals of community corrections. In fact, the purpose of community corrections revolves entirely around risk. 

**What is crimingenic risk?**

"Criminogenic" literally means "crime creating". Criminogenic risk is a measurement of the probability that a specific offender will reoffend … if there is no intervention to lower risk. The second half of that definition is often ignored but is vital to the true meaning of the principle. Appropriate intervention can lower risk; in some cases, quite significantly. There are many misconceptions about "risk." **Risk simply identifies the likelihood that an individual will commit another crime** in the future. It ***does not speak to the severity or type of crime** *that may be committed. In other words, we are measuring the probability of an adverse event, not the nature of the adverse event.

**The short-term goal of community corrections is risk containment.  "Containment" is the action of keeping something harmful under control or within limits.**

 ***In our next blog in this series, we will address the "Why Does it Need to be Objective".  [Subscribe to our blog](https://www.correcttech.com/blog) and get the series delivered right to your inbox.***

******![Evaluating Risk in your clients](https://www.correcttech.com/hs-fs/file-2290515521-png/CTA_Images/Risk_Principle-600CTA-2.png "Evaluating Risk in your clients") ******

*To request more information or schedule an online demonstration of our Community Corrections Software, [click here](https://www.correcttech.com/request-a-demo). We offer integrated software and support services for Probation/Parole, Residential and Reentry programs. Our Program Foundation Platform and twelve robust modules were designed by community corrections professionals to guide organizations toward a powerful EBP implementation, relieve them of strenuous paperwork and manual processes, and enable them to focus on what matters - people!*

 Topics: [Community Corrections](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/community-corrections), [Evidence Based Practices](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/evidence-based-practices), [principles](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/principles)

![](https://www.correcttech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Bio-photos/evan_crist.jpg?height=100&name=evan_crist.jpg)

Written by   
[Evan C. Crist, Psy.D.](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/author/evan-c-crist-psy-d)   
 Founder and President   
[Full Bio](https://www.correcttech.com/team#EC)

[![Risk Principle Simplified Paper](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/393518/2ee64701-b2a8-43d6-882c-cb50378ea9b5.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/393518/2ee64701-b2a8-43d6-882c-cb50378ea9b5)

### Subscribe to Email Updates

### Recent Posts

### Posts by Topic

- [Community Corrections (63)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/community-corrections)
- [Evidence Based Practices (44)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/evidence-based-practices)
- [Community Corrections Professional (23)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/community-corrections-professional)
- [Software (15)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/software)
- [Practices (12)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/practices)
- [Change (11)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/change)
- [Technology (10)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/technology)
- [Risk Principle (8)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/risk-principle)
- [reentry (8)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/reentry)
- [probation staff (7)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/probation-staff)
- [EBP (6)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/ebp)
- [Outcomes (6)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/outcomes)
- [client development (6)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/client-development)
- [client needs and values (6)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/client-needs-and-values)
- [coaching community corrections clients (6)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/coaching-community-corrections-clients)
- [Assessment (5)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/assessment)
- [Community (5)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/community)
- [Developing a practice model (5)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/developing-a-practice-model)
- [Justice-Involved Clients (5)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/justice-involved-clients)
- [Remote work (5)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/remote-work)
- [The Coaching Habit (5)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/the-coaching-habit)
- [parole (5)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/parole)
- [risk (5)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/risk)
- [tele-supervision (5)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/tele-supervision)
- [tele-work (5)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/tele-work)
- [Community Engagement (4)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/community-engagement)
- [Evan C. Crist (4)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/evan-c-crist)
- [Community Corrections Client Services (3)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/community-corrections-client-services)
- [Criminal Justice Reform (3)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/criminal-justice-reform)
- [Implementation (3)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/implementation)
- [Listening Skills (3)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/listening-skills)
- [Motivational Interviewing (3)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/motivational-interviewing)
- [Policy (3)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/policy)
- [Positive Reinforcement (3)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/positive-reinforcement)
- [Practice Models (3)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/practice-models)
- [high risk client (3)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/high-risk-client)
- [reaching clients emotions (3)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/reaching-clients-emotions)
- [responsivity (3)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/responsivity)
- [Addiction (2)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/addiction)
- [BOP (2)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/bop)
- [Conferences (2)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/conferences)
- [ICCA (2)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/icca)
- [Management (2)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/management)
- [Michael Bungay Stanier (2)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/michael-bungay-stanier)
- [Relapse Prevention (2)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/relapse-prevention)
- [halfway house (2)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/halfway-house)
- [jic (2)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/jic)
- [paperless office (2)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/paperless-office)
- [principles (2)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/principles)
- [procedures (2)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/procedures)
- [program results (2)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/program-results)
- [APPA (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/appa)
- [Appreciative Thinking (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/appreciative-thinking)
- [Brian Lovins (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/brian-lovins)
- [COVID-10 (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/covid-10)
- [Community Connection (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/community-connection)
- [Coronavirus (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/coronavirus)
- [Crisis (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/crisis)
- [Customer Service (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/customer-service)
- [Data Management (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/data-management)
- [Fidelity (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/fidelity)
- [ICCA Seattle (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/icca-seattle)
- [Juvenile Corrections (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/juvenile-corrections)
- [Leadership (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/leadership)
- [Monitor History (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/monitor-history)
- [Opioid Addiction (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/opioid-addiction)
- [Opioid Crisis (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/opioid-crisis)
- [Orange is the New Black (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/orange-is-the-new-black)
- [Program Data (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/program-data)
- [Reforms (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/reforms)
- [Relapse (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/relapse)
- [Second Chances (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/second-chances)
- [Switch by the Heath Brothers (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/switch-by-the-heath-brothers)
- [Treatment (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/treatment)
- [drug testing (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/drug-testing)
- [going paperless (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/going-paperless)
- [govcio outlook (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/govcio-outlook)
- [impact sessions (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/impact-sessions)
- [innovation (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/innovation)
- [intrinsic motivation (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/intrinsic-motivation)
- [justice reinvestment (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/justice-reinvestment)
- [marijuana testing (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/marijuana-testing)
- [money savings (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/money-savings)
- [opiod testing (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/opiod-testing)
- [purpose (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/purpose)
- [remote working (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/remote-working)
- [resources (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/resources)
- [sanction (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/sanction)
- [staff productivity (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/staff-productivity)
- [technology solutions provider (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/technology-solutions-provider)
- [the awe question (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/the-awe-question)
- [what works (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/what-works)
- [what's on your heart (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/whats-on-your-heart)
- [work from home (1)](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/topic/work-from-home)

[See all](https://www.correcttech.com/blog/risk-principle-defined-community-corrections#)

## About CorrectTech

CorrectTech offers integrated software and support services for residential, treatment, reentry, juvenile and probation programs. Our community corrections software was designed by community corrections professionals to guide organizations toward a powerful EBP implementation, relieve them of strenuous paperwork and manual processes, and enable them to focus on what matters - people! To request more information or schedule a demonstration of our software, [click here](http://correcttech.hs-sites.com/request-a-demo).

## The Community Corrections Blog

## Contact

CorrectTech, Inc.  
[info@correcttech.com](mailto:Info@CorrectTech.com)

[![RSS](https://www.correcttech.com/hs-fs/file-1151666557-png/cos-images/RSS.png?width=30&name=RSS.png "RSS")](http://correcttech.hs-sites.com/blog) [![Linked-In](https://www.correcttech.com/hs-fs/file-1146248569-png/cos-images/Linked-In.png?width=30&name=Linked-In.png "Linked-In")](https://www.linkedin.com/company/correcttech) [![Twitter](https://www.correcttech.com/hs-fs/file-1151666552-png/cos-images/Twitter.png?width=30&name=Twitter.png "Twitter")](http://www.twitter.com/correcttech)

Copyright 2018 CorrectTech, Inc. All Rights Reserved.