BCVI Violence Prevention and Intervention Risk Assessment Tool

Purpose: To determine eligibility for services under the Berkeley Community Violence Intervention (BCVI)

OVERVIEW OF RISK ASSESSMENT TOOL

I. RISK LEVELS

• Level 1: Those Exposed to Violence (Lowest Risk) - Individuals who live in hot spot areas or associate with, but are not directly involved in, conflict or driving violence.
• Level 2: Those at Risk of Violence (Medium Risk) - Individuals with stronger associations and involvements with groups or networks, connected to those at the center, and often targeted due to accessibility.
• Level 3: Those at the Center (Highest Risk) - Individuals directly involved in behaviors that drive violence, often both victims and perpetrators of violence.

II. RISK ASSESSMENT CRITERIA AND SCORING

Answer the following questions and assign points based on the scoring system:

A. Level of Risk Assessment (Initial)

• Was the victim the intended target? (Yes = 3 points, No = 1 point)
• Is this attached to existing conflicts or groups? (Yes = 3 points, No = 1 point) Does this have the potential to create further violence? (Yes = 3 points, No = 1 point) Are there regional connections? (Yes = 2 points, No = 0 points)

B. Group/Network Involvement

• Are groups/networks involved? (Yes = 2 points, No = 0 points)
• Are individuals/groups connected to larger networks outside of Berkeley? (Yes = 3 points, No = 1 point)
• Are family members connected to active networks? (Yes = 3 points, No = 1 point)
• Does this have the potential to impact neighborhoods/schools/targeted people? (Yes = 3 points, No = 1 point)

C. History of Violence

• Is there a history of violence related to involved individuals/family/community groups? (Yes = 3 points, No = 0 points)
• Is this connected to previous conflicts (retaliation, ongoing conflict)? (Yes = 3 points, No = 0 points)
• Is there a potential for retaliation? (Yes = 3 points, No = 1 point)

D. Law Enforcement Contact and High-Risk Exposure

• Has the individual been involved in situations that resulted in law enforcement presence or intervention? (Yes = 2 points, No = 0 points)
• Has the individual been a witness to or reported incidents that required law enforcement involvement? (Yes = 1 point, No = 0 points)
• Does the individual frequent locations or associate with individuals known to have frequent law enforcement contact? (Yes = 2 points, No = 0 points)

III. SCORING AND RISK LEVEL DETERMINATION

Level 1: Exposed to Violence - Total score: 1-10 points.

Level 2: At Risk of Violence - Total score: 11-20 points.

Level 3: At the Center of Violence - Total score: 21+ points.

IV. SAMPLE APPROACHES BASED ON RISK LEVEL

Level 1: Exposed to Violence

Approach: Immediate assessment to determine severity and prevention support. This may include community outreach, educational programs, or connecting individuals to existing support services.

Example: A resident living in a hot spot area is assessed. Their score indicates Level 1 risk. The CPA connects them to a neighborhood watch program and provides information on local community resources.

Level 2: At Risk of Violence

Approach: Immediate assessment to determine if existing services are appropriate and/or if new services are needed. Strong consideration for services.

Example: An individual associated with a known group is assessed. Their score indicates Level 2 risk. The CPA evaluates current services the individual receives and determines that additional mentoring and conflict resolution support would be beneficial.

Level 3: At the Center of Violence

Approach: Automatic qualification for services. Immediate contact by CPAs to assess next steps, including direct intervention and intensive support.

Example: An individual directly involved in violent acts is assessed. Their score indicates Level 3 risk. CPAs immediately contact the individual to begin intake for life coaching services and develop a personalized intervention plan.

V. SERVICE QUALIFICATIONS ASSESSMENT

Separate from the risk level assessment, also determine service qualifications:

• Is the individual a Berkeley resident or family of a Berkeley resident?
• Is the individual connected to homicides in Berkeley?
• Did the incidents of violence happen in Berkeley?
• Were Berkeley individuals involved in incidents of violence in other cities?
• GVIPP, Probation/Parole, or School Resource referral?
• Self-referral?

VI. ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS (SERVICE SPECIFIC)

• Is the individual currently on probation or parole?
• Has the individual been shot or related to someone shot in the last 6 months?
• Has the individual lost someone to gun violence in the last year?
• Does the individual live in or associate with those in hot spot areas?
• Is the person connected to an active network or related to someone in an active network?
• Will the individual be compliant with services?
• Are there any basic external barriers (housing, physical handicaps, etc?

This tool helps standardize the risk assessment process and ensures that individuals receive appropriate support based on their level of risk and service qualifications.

 

ASSESSMENT WILL BEGIN ON THE NEXT PAGE

Berkeley Community Violence Intervention (BCVI) Risk & Service Qualification Assessment

RISK LEVEL DETERMINATION : 

• Level 1 : Exposed to Violence (1-10 points)
• Level 2 : At Risk of Violence (11-20 points)
• Level 3 : At the Center of Violence (21+ points)