Leiden University Scholarly Publications

Smeekens, M.V. (2025)

Screening for safety: predicting violence concerns among detained individuals in the Netherlands using the Risk Screener Violence (RS-V)

Doctoral Thesis

The occurrence of violence has significant consequences for victims, their families and friends, society, and the perpetrators themselves, making its prevention crucial for safety and rehabilitation. This PhD thesis evaluates the Risk Screener Violence (RS-V), a screening tool designed for Dutch prison practice to estimate concerns regarding future violent behavior of detained individuals. Both retrospective data from digital prison records and prospective data from real-life prison practice were analyzed. The RS-V showed strong predictive validity for violent incidents within prison practice and violent offending within the community after release. The tool seems valuable in distinguishing which individuals are more likely to display violent behavior, both inside and outside prison. In addition, prison staff generally reported positive experiences with the RS-V, noting its utility and ease of use. However, they also identified areas for improvement, such as the...Show moreThe occurrence of violence has significant consequences for victims, their families and friends, society, and the perpetrators themselves, making its prevention crucial for safety and rehabilitation. This PhD thesis evaluates the Risk Screener Violence (RS-V), a screening tool designed for Dutch prison practice to estimate concerns regarding future violent behavior of detained individuals. Both retrospective data from digital prison records and prospective data from real-life prison practice were analyzed. The RS-V showed strong predictive validity for violent incidents within prison practice and violent offending within the community after release. The tool seems valuable in distinguishing which individuals are more likely to display violent behavior, both inside and outside prison. In addition, prison staff generally reported positive experiences with the RS-V, noting its utility and ease of use. However, they also identified areas for improvement, such as the implementation of follow-up measures. Screening for violence concerns early on during detention allows for more effective triage towards extensive risk assessment and tailored interventions, improving safety in both the prison setting and the community. ​​​​​​​Show less

Prison

Violence

Recidivism

Risk screening

Risk assessment

Predictive validity

All authors

Smeekens, M.V.

Supervisor

Kempes, M.M.; Popma, A.

Co-supervisor

Vries Robbé, M. de

Committee

Alink, L.R.A.; Wolf, M.J.F. van der; Harte, J.M.; Vogel, V de; Hilterman, E

Qualification

Doctor (dr.)

Awarding Institution

Education and Child Studies, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University

Date

2025-06-11

ISBN (print)

9789465222561

Funding

Sponsorship

Nederlands Instituut voor Forensische Psychiatrie en Psychologie en Dienst Justitiële Inrichtingen, onderdeel van het Ministerie van Justitie en Veiligheid