What is Criminogenics?
Whenever criminologists are trying to determine causes of crime, part of that analysis examines the criminogenic needs of an offender. They often ask the question, 'If the offender had this (something the offender clearly needs and is lacking), would he have still committed this crime?' Criminogenic needs are characteristics, traits, problems, or issues of an individual that directly relate to the individual's likelihood to re-offend and commit another crime.
Presentation for the Office of Problem Solving Courts: 16th Annual Maryland Problem Solving Courts Symposium, Criminogenics is the Bridge that Works!!