David Crighton – författare

Risk Assessment in Forensic Practice sets out a concise critical review of the way in which risk is assessed in current forensic practice. Setting the area in its historical context, this text outlines current practice in an accessible and clear format and discusses major critiques as well as the ways in which current practice might be developed to improve public protection. Providing an account of the main issues involved in risk and probability and the ways that these have been applied in practice, the book describes current forensic practice in relation to the dominant algorithmic and checklist-based methods. Critiques of these arising from social-legal, risk analysis and experimental psychology perspectives are summarised, and questions of the accuracy, fairness and lack of analysis are considered, along with the main challenges associated with making group and individual predictions of events. The text rejects the idea that clinical assessments of risk are generally ineffective and stresses the role of environmental context, training and expertise in improving practice. Through the author’s work in the field, this text also offers insight into the ways in which current practice might be improved and calls for greater analysis and methodological rigour. Risk Assessment in Forensic Practice appeals to a wide range of forensic practitioners including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, mental health nurses and lawyers. The text is also relevant to those involved in management and decision-making across forensic settings.

Risk Assessment in Forensic Practice sets out a concise critical review of the way in which risk is assessed in current forensic practice. Setting the area in its historical context, this text outlines current practice in an accessible and clear format and discusses major critiques as well as the ways in which current practice might be developed to improve public protection. Providing an account of the main issues involved in risk and probability and the ways that these have been applied in practice, the book describes current forensic practice in relation to the dominant algorithmic and checklist-based methods. Critiques of these arising from social-legal, risk analysis and experimental psychology perspectives are summarised, and questions of the accuracy, fairness and lack of analysis are considered, along with the main challenges associated with making group and individual predictions of events. The text rejects the idea that clinical assessments of risk are generally ineffective and stresses the role of environmental context, training and expertise in improving practice. Through the author’s work in the field, this text also offers insight into the ways in which current practice might be improved and calls for greater analysis and methodological rigour. Risk Assessment in Forensic Practice appeals to a wide range of forensic practitioners including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, mental health nurses and lawyers. The text is also relevant to those involved in management and decision-making across forensic settings.

A Forensic Approach to Political and State Violence applies a forensic lens to the study of risk in relation to political and state violence.Divided into three parts, the book outlines the nature and function of political and state violence and the historic development of contributions from forensic practice. It then considers the distinction between political and state violence and the foundations for this. This is followed by a review of developments of current research and practice looking at future development and the ways in which forensic practice might more effectively contribute to risk reduction and management. The text will argue that the basis of much current forensic practice, in relation to political and state violence, is unduly limited and has failed to integrate relevant scientific research into practice. The role of market-led approaches to work in these areas will also be considered, in relation to the way this has influenced and distorted practice and delayed progress. Drawing on theories derived from psychology and other areas of research, the book considers how evidence might inform improvements, using the risks and uncertainties that surround politically motivated violence to illustrate this. Real cases of political and state violence are considered, with topics including military conflict, terrorism, use of torture and hostage taking to highlight current failings and weaknesses. Barriers to implementing better forensic practice in terms of both professional, economic and policy interests are also explored.It will be an essential read for all students or practitioners in the areas of forensic psychology, criminal justice or violence risk management.

A Forensic Approach to Political and State Violence applies a forensic lens to the study of risk in relation to political and state violence.Divided into three parts, the book outlines the nature and function of political and state violence and the historic development of contributions from forensic practice. It then considers the distinction between political and state violence and the foundations for this. This is followed by a review of developments of current research and practice looking at future development and the ways in which forensic practice might more effectively contribute to risk reduction and management. The text will argue that the basis of much current forensic practice, in relation to political and state violence, is unduly limited and has failed to integrate relevant scientific research into practice. The role of market-led approaches to work in these areas will also be considered, in relation to the way this has influenced and distorted practice and delayed progress. Drawing on theories derived from psychology and other areas of research, the book considers how evidence might inform improvements, using the risks and uncertainties that surround politically motivated violence to illustrate this. Real cases of political and state violence are considered, with topics including military conflict, terrorism, use of torture and hostage taking to highlight current failings and weaknesses. Barriers to implementing better forensic practice in terms of both professional, economic and policy interests are also explored.It will be an essential read for all students or practitioners in the areas of forensic psychology, criminal justice or violence risk management.

Over the past decade, forensic psychology has grown rapidly as a subject, with an increasing number of forensic psychologists working in demanding roles in prisons, secure training facilities, and high, medium and low security healthcare facilities as well as other parts of the criminal justice system. This Dictionary is designed to meet the needs of both students and practitioners. It contains approximately 100 entries on key terms and concepts, arranged alphabetically and contributed by leading academic and practicing forensic psychologists.