Champion, an expert on criminal behavior, paroling, and sentencing, assesses how the justice system makes critical decisions about offender risks and needs. This sourcebook evaluates the instruments and methods used by local, state, and federal authorities at different stages and in different environments to handle both adult and juvenile offenders. Criminologists, penologists, and law enforcement personnel will see ways to optimize institutional classifications and parole board decisions, and to deal appropriately with various types of offenders. Appendices and a comprehensive bibliography, along with a complete index, enhance the usefulness of this reference tool.