IV. Violent Offenders

Service Tools:

Just as violent crimes can be triggered by a number of causes, there are different treatment approaches for different offenders depending on their individual criminogenic needs. In each case, however, service interventions should attempt to improve skills such as impulse and anger control, problem solving and conflict resolution. Programs should aid offenders in discarding the values and attitudes that support their criminal behaviors. Offenders should learn how to self-diagnose their triggers - the people, places and things that may cause them to recidivate - and learn how to handle situations as they occur.

In some cases, maintenance programs should be built into case plans because formal treatment programs alone will not be enough to support sustained change. Maintenance programs, such as mentoring and other community sponsored programs, can provide offenders ongoing support for their lifestyle and behavior changes.

Violent offenders who suffer mental or psychological disorders are more difficult to supervise because there is no known effective treatment for psychopaths. Psychopathic offenders should be separated from other violent offenders for treatment programs because they tend to be disruptive and manipulative