Risk Perception and Risk Communication: Multi-Actor Perspectives on Pretrial Decision-Making

Area of Science:

• Criminal Justice
• Legal Decision-Making
• Risk Assessment

Background:

• Jurisdictions increasingly use pretrial risk assessments for reform.
• Limited research exists on factors influencing risk assessment-guided decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• Examine perceptions of risk assessment utility by criminal-legal role.
• Assess the impact of static vs. variable risk assessment presentation on release decisions.
• Identify factors influencing pretrial decision-making.

Main Methods:

• Surveyed 298 judges, pretrial officers, prosecutors, and defense attorneys nationwide.
• Used vignettes with randomized risk assessment presentation (single value or range).
• Analyzed the moderating role of offense violence.

Main Results:

• Risk assessment presentation format did not significantly affect pretrial release decisions.
• Decision-makers frequently interpreted risk values subjectively or used personal criteria.
• Offense violence did not moderate the effect of risk assessment presentation.

Conclusions:

• Current pretrial risk assessment presentation methods do not consistently guide decision-making.
• Decision-makers often override or reinterpret risk assessment information.
• Enhanced training is crucial for effective interpretation and utilization of pretrial risk assessments.