Validation of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Risk Assessment Instrument
Probation and parole agencies across the country use risk assessment instruments to predict the likelihood that individuals under supervision will reoffend. Like other departments across the nation, the Division of Community Corrections of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections requires that the “Admission to Adult Field Caseload” risk classification instrument be completed for all felony and assaultive misdemeanor cases at the time someone is admitted to field supervision. This instrument, commonly referred to as the DOC 502, is used not only to estimate risk probabilities for supervision purposes, but also to help determine staff workload and deployment. The DOC 502 risk assessment instrument was last validated in 1984 and department officials have sought to examine the validity of their risk instrument on a more contemporaneous population. To address the need for revalidation, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections contracted with The Council of State Governments Justice Center to conduct a validation study of the DOC 502 risk assessment instrument. This report reviews general issues associated with the use of risk assessment instruments in classifying people and presents the results of a validation study of the DOC 502 risk assessment instrument.
Corrections leaders balance the complex priorities of maintaining public safety, operating secure facilities, providing needed care and services…
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The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center has launched the Collaborating for Youth and Public Safety Initiative…
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Washington, DC – Termination of bipartisan Department of Justice grants appropriated by Congress last week drew the attention…
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Apply Now for Resident Analyst Program to Increase Data Analysis Capacity at Departments of Corrections
Corrections leaders balance the complex priorities of maintaining public safety, operating secure facilities, providing needed care and services to the incarcerated population, and coordinating with other agencies.
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Six States Commit to Improving Statewide Strategies to Address Youth Crime, Violence and Behavioral Health
The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center has launched the Collaborating for Youth and Public Safety Initiative (CYPSI) in partnership with six states: California, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Rhode Island. The initiative will help states develop, fund, and effectively implement a research-based service continuum to improve public safety and behavioral health, education, and other outcomes for youth.
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Statement by The Council of State Governments Justice Center on Termination of Public Safety Grants
Washington, DC – Termination of bipartisan Department of Justice grants appropriated by Congress last week drew the attention of leaders and organizations across the country.
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Amid Federal Funding Cuts, Here’s How the CSG Justice Center Can Help You Advance Safety and Justice
Every day, public safety depends on thousands of state and…
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Explainer: How a New Law in Arkansas Tackles Crime, Recidivism, and Community Supervision Challenges
In April 2025, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a package of bipartisan criminal justice legislation into law, which is designed to increase public safety and improve community supervision. The legislation passed nearly unanimously.
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Bipartisan Group of 88 Lawmakers Push for Continued Funding for Reentry and Recidivism Programs
A bipartisan group of 88 lawmakers, led by Representatives Carol Miller (R-WV) and Danny Davis (D-IL), wrote a letter calling for continued funding for the Second Chance Act in the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.
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