Recidivism Rates in Violent Offenders

Case Overview

This case study focuses on an adult male temporarily employed at a steel fabrication company in Texas. The individual had a substantial criminal history, including a 12-year prison sentence for aggravated robbery, assault, resisting arrest, and aggravated assault on a public servant.

Four years post-release from prison, he committed a violent act at his workplace, stabbing two co-workers, leading to one fatality and severe injuries to the other. This case necessitates the expertise of a forensic psychologist or psychiatrist to analyze the assailant’s background. This will provide insights into recidivism rates and reoffending probability among individuals with prior violent histories.

Questions to the expert and their responses

Please briefly describe your knowledge/experience of violent criminals and recidivism rates.

As a private practitioner specializing in adult clients and worker’s compensation patients, I have extensive experience working with individuals convicted of violent crimes.

During my psychology internship at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, I worked full-time with inmates often convicted of such offenses. I regularly conduct violence risk assessments and opine on recidivism risk.

Generally, what aspects of a patient's history are significant in determining the likelihood of recidivism after serving jail time and when entering back into society?

There are several factors that influence the likelihood of recidivism. These include historical factors like past criminal behavior, clinical factors such as mental health conditions or substance abuse issues, and contextual factors like social support networks or employment status.

Have you ever reviewed a similar case? If yes, please elaborate.

I frequently assess individuals facing violent charges, many of whom have prior criminal histories. My work has been utilized by both prosecution and defense attorneys and even court-ordered by judges.

About the expert

This expert is a licensed psychologist with an extensive background in clinical and forensic psychology. They earned their BA, MS, and PhD in psychology from a renowned university and have held positions at various institutions including a Federal Correctional Institution, a Veteran Affairs Medical Center, and a Psychological Services Center. Currently, they serve as a clinical supervisor at a university's psychological services center and run their own private practice specializing in clinical and forensic psychology.