Parole Risk Assessments
What are Risk Assessments, and how are they used?
Risk assessments are structured, research-based tools used to evaluate the likelihood of recidivism, while under supervision; and they help identify factors that may affect success in the community. Risk assessments help determine appropriate supervision levels and guide case planning.
Using validated risk-needs assessments is a nationally recognized best practice in community supervision. Organizations such as the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) and the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) support evidence-based assessment tools to improve decision-making, enhance public safety, and promote successful reentry.
Risk assessments help identify needs and guide Community Parole Officers in directing supervision and support where they are most needed.
What is the Community Supervision Tool (CST)?
The CST is a structured, research-based assessment used during parole supervision. It measures risk and identifies areas, such as employment stability, housing, substance use, and behavioral needs that may impact community success.
The CST supports community parole officers in tailoring supervision and connecting individuals to appropriate services based on assessed risk and needs. The CST is used after release to parole and during the duration of a person’s supervision. It does not determine parole eligibility or release decisions, which are made by the Colorado Parole Board.
Watch this short video to learn more!
How is the CST used?
An initial risk assessment and case plan are completed within the first 30 days after release to parole. Results guide supervision intensity, case planning, referrals to treatment when required, and re-entry services.
The assessment is reviewed and updated (or reassessed) at least every six months, focusing on factors that may have changed from the previous assessment, to ensure supervision levels remain appropriate. Reassessments may occur sooner if there is a significant change in circumstances. Regular reassessments ensure supervision levels remain appropriate as individuals’ situations evolve.
Using a standardized assessment tool helps Community Parole Officers make equitable and consistent supervision decisions statewide.
Watch this short video to learn more!
What Risk Assessments Do - and Do Not Do
Risk Assessments:
✔️ Help guide supervision decisions
✔️ Support case planning and service referrals
✔️ Promote consistency across cases
Risk Assessments do not:
❌ Replace professional judgement
❌ Override decisions made by the Parole Board
❌ Predict individual behavior with certainty
❌ Automatically determine release, sanctions, or interventions
Risk levels reflect the likelihood of recidivism while on supervision, not the seriousness of a past offense. The risk assessment is one component of a broader supervision strategy that includes professional judgement, structured oversight, and ongoing review.
Why does this matter to the community?
An effective risk assessment allows supervision resources to be focused where they have the most impact. Higher-risk individuals receive closer supervision and strategic interventions, while lower-risk individuals receive appropriate monitoring and support.
This approach aligns with nationally recognized best practices, including standards established by the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA), and supports safer communities by reducing reoffending and promoting successful reentry.
Our Commitment to Accountability and Precision
The CDOC is committed to applying risk assessments consistently and accurately. Ongoing training, supervisory review, and structured quality assurance processes help ensure reliability and continuous improvement.
We are creating a public-facing dashboard to report on internal CST audit results and progress as staff complete CST-specific training. This enables us to measure performance, identify areas for improvement, and enhance transparency in the application of risk assessments. By combining evidence-based practices with ongoing data review and oversight, we strengthen accountability and support effective supervision aligned with national standards.
Track our progress with the Community Supervision Tool Dashboard
- Community Supervision Tool (CST) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the CST decide who gets released to parole?
No. The Community Supervision Tool (CST) is used after a person is released to parole. It does not determine parole eligibility or release decisions. Release decisions are made by the Colorado Parole Board.Does the CST predict whether someone will commit a crime?
No assessment tool can predict behavior with certainty. The CST provides structured guidance based on research to help assess risk levels and identify needs. It supports informed supervision decisions but does not guarantee outcomes.What does “risk level” mean?
Risk level reflects the likelihood of recidivism while under supervision. It does not measure the seriousness of a past offense and does not label someone as “dangerous”. It helps determine the appropriate level of supervision and support.Can professional judgement override the CST?
The CST is one component of supervision decision-making. Community Parole Officers and Supervisors use professional judgment, along with structured assessments, policy requirements, and case-specific information, when making supervision decisions.How often are assessments updated?
An initial assessment is completed within the first 30 days after release to parole. It is reviewed at least every six months and may be updated sooner if there is a significant change in circumstances.How does the CST promote fairness and consistency?
Using a standardized, research-based tool helps ensure similar cases are evaluated consistently across the state. Ongoing training, supervisory review, and quality assurance processes support reliability and reduce subjectivity.Is the CST used in other states?
Yes. Risk-needs assessment tools are widely used in community supervision nationwide. The CST reflects nationally recognized evidence-based practices supported by organizations such as the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) and the National Institute of Corrections (NIC).How do risk assessments improve public safety?
Risk assessments help supervision agencies focus resources where they are most needed. Higher-risk individuals receive closer supervision and targeted interventions. Lower-risk individuals receive appropriate monitoring without unnecessary restrictions. This approach supports safer communities and successful reentry.How does the Department ensure accountability?
Assessment completion, timeliness, and fidelity are monitored through structured data tracking. Ongoing training and quality assurance reviews help ensure assessments are applied consistently and accurately.What happens if someone’s circumstances change?
If there is a significant change in behavior, compliance, or life circumstances, the assessment may be reviewed and updated to ensure supervision remains appropriate.