Psychology, as a science, attempts to both explain and predict. This post, as the title indicates is about predicting the dangerousness of criminals; and is a huge topic of discussion in forensic clinical psychology right now. The following link is to a power-point demonstration by Dr. George Parker, a medical director and director of forensic psychiatry in Indiana.
Amongst other things Dr. Parker lists a number of risk factors for various age groups that are strong, moderate, and weak predictors of dangerousness. Substance abuse and prior history (especially if from gang activity) are strong predictors of violence in youths, however psychiatric problems and unstable family relationships (unless directly linked to substance abuse and prior history) both weak predictors of dangerousness.
The power point must be read critically since we do not have the benefit of Dr. Parker's explanations for various findings and arguments; but there is enough information there that you can work your way through the power point successfully. The problems with predicting dangerousness can be understood, I believe, when it is applied to the seven principles which Hall (1947) set out for determining if a behavior is criminal or not. I'm doing a project for my portfolio on this topic so will withold other comments for that discussion topic.
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