Adult Offenders Classification Matrix

Complete the Adult Offenders Classification Matrix by categorizing the characteristics of status, non-violent, violent, chronic, and serious offenses. 

Note: Some actions may fall under multiple classifications. 

Summary

According to Austin (2003), assessment and diagnosis is done at the initial stages of a professional relationship. For one to carry out a valid and reliable diagnosis, it is important to correctly classify the offense and the offenders. While completing the adult offenders’ classification matrix based on the characteristics of the offense, I found some offenses challenging and difficult to classify . 

Hollin and Palmer (2003) classify rape as a serious offense in the courts of laws and also a violent offense from the complainant perspective. I decided to classify it as serious due to the charges associated to it and the impacts it causes to the victim and the time it takes them to recover.

Classifying aggravated assault was confusing and thus I ended putting it in two categories. This is because, aggravated assault is done in a violent way, the victims can be badly hurt or even end up killed. When charges are placed it is considered a serious crime and thus it is not clear how to classify it.

When classifying the offense and the offender is important to ensure the custody level of the prisoners will meet their needs when they are admitted in the prisons. Wrongful classification increases the risks of hurting other prisoners and thus the need for adequate analysis. Shoplifting and credit card fraud does not cause any physical damages on the victims except emotional trauma and thus classifying it as non-violent offense (Andrews, 2003). 

Truancy is classified as a status offense because stealing personal property is on the motive of acquiring more and being able to sustain the demands of the desired status quo. From the analysis of the classification matrix, misplacement of an offense and thus the offender, it can aggravate to wrongful judgment and thus affecting the community in which the offender dwells as the offenses will keep recurring (Sun, 2005). 

References 

Andrews, A. D. (2003). The Psychology of criminal Conduct. Cincinati, OH: Anderson.

Austin, J. (2003). Finding the Prison Classification and Risk Assessment. Washington DC: National Institute of Corrections.

Hollin, R. C., & Palmer, J. E. (2003). Level of services inventory-revised profiles of violent and nonviolent prisoners. Journal of Interpersonal Violence , 18 1075-1086.

Sun, K. (2005). The Importance of Understanding Offender Cgnitie Distortions in Correctional Assessment . Chicago IL: Academy of Criminal Justice.