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If you’re looking for an adult (male and female) probation department test, we recommend you consider the SAQ-Adult Probation III. This test was specifically designed for adult probationer assessment. It helps determine probationer risk while providing risk and needs information that is helpful when establishing levels of super-vision.
Edward C. Birkel and David L. Wegner’s article "Accurate Intensive Supervision Probation Se-lection: Revisited" was published in Perspectives, the Journal of the American Probation and Parole Association (Volume 24, Number 4, Fall 2000). This article discusses the use of the SAQ-Adult Probation III in selection of probationers for intensive supervision probation (ISP). You can read this article by clicking on the E. Birkel and D. Wegner article link.
The SAQ-Adult Probation III has been administered to over 160,000 probationers. In addition to probationer truthfulness when tested, this test assesses other important areas of inquiry like substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse, violence (lethality) proneness, antisocial attitudes, aggressiveness and stress handling abilities. The SAQ-Adult Probation III has 7 measures (scales): 1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Alcohol Scale, 3. Drugs Scale, 4. Violence (Lethality) Scale, 5. Antisocial Scale, 6. Aggressiveness Scale and 7. Stress Coping Abilities Scale.
SAQ-Adult Probation III research is summarized in the "SAQ: An Inventory of Scientific Findings" document, which can be provided upon request. SAQ-Adult Probation III reliability, validity and accuracy are also provided in a research study at the end of this webpage. To go directly to this research study, click on the SAQ-Adult Probation III Research Study link. In addition to these very impressive reliability, validity and accuracy findings, the SAQ-Adult Probation III has many unique features. Some of these unique features include:
The Truthfulness Scale identifies denial, problem minimization and faking. Many probationers attempt to minimize their problems when evaluated. Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. (Risk & Needs) believes strongly that a Truthfulness Scale is a necessary part of any contemporary probationer test. The Truthfulness Scale has been validated in many studies with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L, F and K-Scales, polygraph exams and other tests. In study after study, the Truthfulness Scale has been demonstrated to be a very reliable, valid and accurate measure.
The Violence (Lethality) Scale identifies people who are a danger to themselves and others. Violence is an extreme and unacceptable form of aggression. Extremely violent (percentile score at or above the 90th percentile) probationers are dangerous. Violence is a very important area of inquiry, yet it is often overlooked in other tests.
The Antisocial Scale measures socially destructive attitudes that are manifested in socially undesirable ways. Antisocial attitudes are characterized by a seeming inability to learn from experience. It embodies many of the characteristics that used to be called sociopathic behavior. When a probationer manifests antisocial thinking along with violence prone behavior, that person is particularly dangerous.
The Stress Coping Abilities Scale measures how well the probationer handles stress and pressure. You can have two people in the same stressful situation, and one person may fall apart; whereas, the other functions effectively. And, we now know that stress exacerbates emotional and mental problems. A probationer scoring at or above the 90th percentile very likely has a diagnosable mental health problem. These cases should be referred to a certified/licensed mental health professional for a diagnosis and written treatment plan. This important area of inquiry is missed by many other probationer screening tests.
The SAQ-Adult Probation Short Form is for use with reading impaired probationers and in high volume testing settings. The Short Form can be completed in 15 minutes, and a one-page report is available on-site within 2 minutes. Short Form measures (scales) include: 1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Alcohol Scale, 3. Drugs Scale, and 4. Risk Scale. The Short Form can be used by male and female misdemeanor and felony probationers. It’s available in English and Spanish.
The SAQ-Short Form has its own webpage and is listed on the tests alphabetically listed and tests functionally grouped webpages. To go directly to the SAQ-Short Form webpage, click on the SAQ-Short Form link.
Confidentiality is assured with the respondent name deletion procedure that involves a few keystrokes. Deleting probationer names does not delete demographics and test data, which are downloaded into the SAQ’s expanding database for subsequent analysis. When probationer names are deleted, they are gone and cannot be retrieved.
The built-in database facilitates ongoing research and annual testing program summary reports – at no additional cost to SAQ-Adult Probation III users. On an annual basis, all the tests that have been administered by a probation department can be summarized in an annual report. These annual reports are free. These reports review test accuracy, demographics of the people tested along with program review.
There are many other SAQ-Adult Probation III unique features, e.g., Human Voice Audio test presentation, etc. that are discussed on this webpage. Interested parties should read the SAQ-Adult Probation III webpage. If you’re looking for a reliable, valid and accurate probationer test that can be completed within 30 minutes, we suggest you consider the SAQ-Adult Probation III.