Similar Predictive Accuracy of the Static-99R Risk Tool for White, Black, and Hispanic Sex Offenders in California. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Seung C.; Hanson, R. Karl
• Is Part Of: Criminal justice and behavior. Volume 44:Number 9(2017:Sep.)
• Page Start: 1125
• Page End: 1140
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Static-99R -- sex offenders -- predictive accuracy -- cultural bias; Correctional psychology -- Periodicals; 364.6
• DOI: 10.1177/0093854817711477
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0093-8548

Abstract

Although considerable research has found overall moderate predictive validity of Static-99R, a sex offender risk prediction tool, relatively little research has addressed its potential for cultural bias. This prospective study evaluated the predictive validity of Static-99R across the three major ethnic groups (White, n = 789; Black, n = 466; Hispanic, n = 719) in the state of California. Static-99R was able to discriminate recidivists from nonrecidivists among White, Black, and Hispanic sex offenders (all area under the curve [AUC] values >.70; odds ratios >1.39). Base rates (at a Static-99R score of 2) with a fixed 5-year follow-up across ethnic groups were very similar (2.4%-3.0%) but were significantly lower than the norms (5.6%). The current findings support the use of Static-99R in risk assessment procedures for sex offenders of White, Black, and Hispanic heritage, but it should be used with caution in estimating absolute sexual recidivism rates, particularly for Hispanic sex offenders.