Some problems in use of the “Questionnaire for the assessment of risk for those sentenced to imprisonment for up to three years”

• Main Authors: Petković Nikola, Pavlović Zoran
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Victimology Society of Serbia and Prometej-Beograd 2016-01-01
• Series: Temida
• Subjects: assessment; prison; questionnaire; Serbia
• Online Access: http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/1450-6637/2016/1450-66371601161P.pdf

The questionnaire for the assessment of risk for those sentenced to imprisonment for up to three years is the main instrument of assessment used in penitentiary institutions in Serbia. The results obtained with this instrument create the basis of categorization, re-categorization of persons within penal institutions, as well as an argument in deciding in various criminal matters such as the procedure on the petition for conditional release. Because objective assessment is a necessity of forensic and educational work, the validity and reliability of the results obtained by these instruments is of great importance. In this sense, this paper carries basic information about the structure and content of the relevant Questionnaire, clarification on the method of scoring, as well as critical analysis in relation to its elements. Finally, with regard to perceived opportunities to improve national practices, this paper offers some suggestions of correction assessment procedures of convicts.