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VIOLENT PREDATORS

Sociologyindex, Sociology Books 2012, Violent Predators, Psychopaths,

Violent predators are offenders, particularly sexual offenders, a group who appear to be hunters or predators and violently sexually assault citizens.

Violent predators tend to be thought of as ‘psychopaths’ but not all psychopaths are violent offenders.

Factors Predicting Selection of Sexually Violent Predators for Civil Commitment
This study investigated the degree to which independent variables predicted civil commitment selection in a sample of 450 sexual offenders evaluated for civil commitment as "sexually violent predators" under Florida’s Jimmy Ryce Act. Using logistic regression, this study examined the relationship between the dependent variable, commitment recommendation, and several sets of independent variables. Results revealed that the statistically significant predictors of recommendations for sex offender civil commitment were diagnoses of pedophilia and paraphilia not otherwise specified (NOS), psychopathy, actuarial risk assessment scores, younger age of victim, and nonminority race (R2 = .88). Discriminant function analysis confirmed that these variables correctly predicted commitment recommendations in 90% of cases. Sex offenders recommended for commitment consistently met the criteria set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court in Kansas v. Hendricks (1997): They suffered from a mental abnormality predisposing them to sexual violence, and risk assessment determined that they were likely to reoffend. -  - Jill S. Levenson, Lynn University, John W. Morin, Oakbrook Counseling Center, International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, Vol. 50, No.6 (2006) © 2006 SAGE Publications

Sexually Violent Predators: The Risky Enterprise of Risk Assessment 
Richard Rogers, PhD and Rebecca L. Jackson, PhD 
J Am Acad Psychiatry Law 33:4:523-528 (2005) 
Forensic experts are increasingly asked to consult in sexually violent predator (SVP) determinations. The substantive criteria for SVP standards vary substantially across jurisdictions, but typically include complex judgments regarding volitional impairment and predictive statements focused specifically on sexual violence. A common but questionable practice is the retrofitting of generic risk-assessment measures to address SVP criteria. The marked deficiencies of these measures in addressing the relevant questions, coupled with their methodological limitations, are noted. SVP determinations demand rigorous evaluations of relevant factors that are buttressed by empirically validated methods. - jaapl.org/cgi/content/abstract/33/4/523

The civil commitment of sexually violent predators: a unique Texas approach 
RK Bailey - J Am Acad Psychiatry Law 30:4:525-532 (2002) 
Numerous states have enacted statutes focusing on the civil commitment of sexually violent predators. The Texas statute, like many others, calls for the involuntary commitment of those with a mental abnormality--specifically in Texas, a behavioral abnormality--who are likely to engage in predatory acts of sexual violence. All of these states, except Texas, have passed legislation creating inpatient treatment for those persons committed. Texas, instead, has focused exclusively on the use of outpatient treatment and supervision as an alternative to the route of inpatient commitment This article is focused on the development and implementation of the Texas statute with an emphasis on forensic assessment, expert testimony, and risk assessment. - jaapl.org/cgi/content/abstract/30/4/525

Sexually Violent Predators in the Courtroom: Science on Trial 
ROBERT A. PRENTKY, Justice Resource Institute - Research Department
ERIC S. JANUS, William Mitchell College of Law
HOWARD BARBAREE, University of Toronto - Law & Mental Health Program - Department of Psychiatry; Centre for Addiction & Mental Health - Law & Mental Health Program
BARBARA K. SCHWARTZ, Justice Resource Institute
MARTIN KAFKA, Harvard University - Harvard Medical School 
Psychology, Policy, and Law, 2006, William Mitchell Legal Studies Research Paper No. 50 
Abstract: Adjudication of sexually violent predator commitment laws places demands on science. In the current article, the authors discuss the determination of mental abnormality and its reliance on medical nosological systems. Second, the authors examine the determination of current risk by reviewing three common concerns: (a) mechanistic estimations of risk, (b) mitigation of risk as a function of age, and (c) estimation of contemporaneous (dynamic) risk. The authors focus specifically on determinations of risk posed by the nexus of mental abnormality with prior history of sexually violent acts. Third, the article examines relevant, though sometimes nonstatutory, considerations, namely, the standards and the expectation for the treatment provided in high-security civil commitment programs. Potentially important dynamic or time-varying factors that may mitigate risk, such as offender age and treatment, are considered. Recommendations to promote good science and to avoid bad science are included with respect to determinations of mental abnormality, risk of reoffending, and treatment. - papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=937010

CHARACTERISTICS OF SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATORS
WHO WERE REFERRED TO AN INTENSIVE TREATMENT
UNIT FOR DISRUPTIVE SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATORS
ABSTRACT: This multi-faceted study describes, explores and compares characteristics of a subset of disruptive Sexually Violent Predators (SVP) hospitalized at Atascadero State Hospital under section 6600 of the State of California Welfare and Institutions Code. The subset met the criteria for referral to an Intensive Treatment Unit for disruptive SVPs.
The typical offender was 48 years old, Caucasian, and was hospitalized for 46 months. The primary offense type was child molestation followed by rape. Females were the gender most often victimized. Although child molestation was the most cited offense type, the primary Axis I diagnosis was Paraphilia.
This subset of Sexually Violent Predators participated in treatment less often, and was more often physically and verbally aggressive to both staff and other patients. ITU-referred Sexually Violent Predators were also found to be more often in the severe range of Psychopathy when compared with other Sexually Violent Predators. - csufresno.edu

Clinical and demographic differences between sexually violent predators and other commitment types in a state forensic hospital - James Vess, School of Psychology Victoria University, Carolyn Murphy, Atascadero State Hospital California, Steve Arkowitz, Liberty Conditional Release Program - Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology, Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group, Volume 15, Number 4 / December 2004 
Abstract: Sexual offenders who are involuntarily civilly committed to a secure state hospital as Sexually Violent Predators (SVPs) appear to differ significantly from other current patient populations. Demographically, SVPs are older and more predominantly Caucasian than other patients. They are less frequently psychotic than patients committed under other state statutes such as those found incompetent to stand trial, not guilty by reason of insanity and mentally ill prison transfers. Another salient dimension which distinguishes SVPs is the degree of psychopathy observed in these patients. As a group, SVPs display only slightly higher levels of psychopathy than other patient groups as measured by the revised Psychopathy Checklist. Yet when considered by offender type, rapists are found to have significantly higher average psychopathy scores than other patients, while child molesters are assessed as having lower average psychopathy scores than most other patient commitment categories. - taylorandfrancis.metapress.com

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