The assessment of potential threat: A second look

The assessment of dangerousness is not a diagnosis, but rather a clinical impression based on the individual's past history of violence and many other factors. With regard to the mental state, it has been noted that “the essence of dangerousness appears to be a paucity of concern for others'” (Roth, 1974). As a subjective opinion, predicting violence and future dangerousness bears the weight of much scrutiny and due diligence. Threat assessment evaluations have inherent social and legal ramifications, and the responsibility must be accepted with the knowledge that accuracy may not always be achieved. This paper discusses the various aspects of predicting future violence and dangerousness and the caveats that come with such tasks.