NCJ Number
91653
Date Published
1983
Length
20 pages
Annotation
After a brief overview of the etiology of dangerousness, this paper presents a series of questions designed to classify persons with respect to dangerousness and the type of intervention required. Social work roles useful in preventing dangerous behavior are described.
Abstract
The working definition of dangerousness used in this paper is 'the extent of degree to which a person is viewed as likely to inflict physical injury, harm, or violence, or cause death to another person or to self.' Dangerous behavior may emerge from a passive and subassertive personality who becomes explosive under a given set of circumstances or from an aggressive personality who habitually handles frustration using aggressive and violent means. In both of the personality types, violence stems from the inner experience of perception of personal powerlessness. In determining appropriate intervention for persons deemed dangerous, it must be decided if the behavior is modifiable -- the degree of change that can realistically be expected -- or deterrable -- the degree to which social controls can be expected to dissuade an offender from further violent conduct. The probability of future dangerous behavior can be determined by answering questions pertaining to (1) stresses the offender was under at the time of the offense, (2) the instant offense, (3) meaning of the offense to the offender, (4) criminal record, (5) childhood experiences, (6) behavior patterns, and (7) demographics. Questions pertaining to modifiability and deterrability can provide guidance for the type of intervention appropriate for the person being assessed. Prevention strategies are rooted in the social worker's acting as broker, enabler, advocate, mediator, conferee, and guardian so as to enhance the client's development of an image of competence and power through alternative nonviolent behaviors. Thirteen references are provided.