Comprehensive Screening and Assessments of Driving While Intoxicated Offenders: A Pro-Active Approach

Many community supervision and corrections professionals frequently question the utilization of traditional screening and assessment instruments to screen and assess the needs and risk level of repeat Driving While Intoxicated/Driving Under the Influence offenders. The most common question is how mandated screening and risk assessment tools designed to measure an individual's probability of reoffending and areas of need assess the risk level of a repeat DUI/DWI offender as low or low moderate? This study examines factors often omitted or not accounted for when evaluating and screening criminogenic risk and need elements of DUI/DWI offenders. The study reviewed validated risk assessment and screening tools specific to DUI/DWI offenders. The results of this study support that the utilization of validated screening and risk assessment tools specific to DUI/DWI offenders with traditional or mandated assessments and screening tools enhance the assessment and screening process. The utilization of both required and validated DUI/DWI screening and assessment tools assist in determining the probability of DUI/DWI offenders reoffending and correctly identify the criminogenic need and risk factors associated with DUI/DWI offenders.