The Field Re-Assessment Offender Screening Tool Refresher Training Program

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

Research has demonstrated the use of Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) as effective in reducing recidivism and creating safer communities. In its efforts to sustain and enhance the ongoing implementation of EBP, and specifically assessment of offender risk and needs, the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department (MCAPD) developed an automated assessment training program which not only meets, but exceeds, statewide requirements. Most importantly, it allows for enhanced quality assurance measures to ensure the accuracy and consistency in scoring the assessments. It provides effective methods to assess and monitor staff skills and creates opportunities for personalized skill enhancement via secondary classroom sessions and the availability of mentors for staff identified as needing additional assistance. As well, the automated training program provides convenience for staff and takes into consideration the workload of trainers expected to facilitate training for a large department. To date, 95% of the individuals taking the automated on-line training passed the scoring exercise. Of those who needed a secondary classroom training, 100% passed the scoring exercise. The results demonstrate the ability of the training program to effectively and efficiently ensure the accuracy of assessment scores providing the MCAPD with confidence in using the results to guide decisions.