Previous Article
News
VERA 2R: measuring the likelihood of violent extremist action in prison
Much of the current discourse about prisons and radicalisation is negative. Prisons are often said to have become breeding grounds for radicalisation. They are ‘places of vulnerability’, providing conditions in which radical, religiously framed ideologies can flourish. But prisons are not just a threat – they can play a positive role in tackling problems of radicalisation and terrorism in society as a whole.
To develop effective policies and approaches, understanding of the mechanism of radicalisation is essential. To obtain information on the likelihood of violent extremist action in prison and how to try to intervene case-by-case the Vera instrument was developed by D. Elaine Pressman in 2009. This first edition was revised in 2012 (Pressman and Flockton), after empirical use and feedback from international experts. The most recent version, the VERA 2R (Pressman, Duits, Rinne and Flockton 2016) is supplemented with additional mental health related indicators as well as risk promoting and risk mitigating indicators.
The VERA 2 is the most comprehensive version and includes an assessment of risk and threat elements of the broad spectrum of violent extremists. The tool is relevant for right-wing, left-wing, political separatists, ISIS, Al-Qaeda inspired and other political, social or religious ideological -based violent extremists, those in the process of radicalization to violence and those vulnerable to becoming radicalized.
Elaine Pressman, Ph.D and Associate Fellow at the International Centre for Counter Terrorism in The Hague: “Systematic and consistent risk assessments provide individualized information on needs, motivations and Ideology required to develop customized interventions. Measurable changes in the risk assessments are able to determine the outcome of these interventions. Targeted intervention is likely to achieve the greatest gains”.
For more information, visit the website of ICCT.
Related News
Keep up to date with the latest developments, stories, and updates on probation from across Europe and beyond. Find relevant news and insights shaping the field today.
New
Probation in Europe
New Division episode: Daniel Wolter on the DBH Federal Association
23/02/2026
The 18th episode of Division_Y features Daniel Wolter, Director of the DBH Federal Association for Social Work, Criminal Law and Criminal Policy, based in Cologne, Germany.
New
Victims rights
European Day for Victims of Crime
23/02/2026
Yesterday, 22 February, marked the European Day for Victims of Crime.
At CEP, we recognise that crime causes harm to individuals and communities. Probation work focuses on accountability, rehabilitation and reducing reoffending, contributing to the prevention of further victimisation.
CEP Board
Interview with new CEP board member Jana Bewersdorff
19/02/2026
During the General Assembly in Austria, a new CEP Board got elected for the upcoming three years. In the coming weeks we will publish interviews with all newly-elected board members where they will share information on their professional background, how they would like to contribute, what challenges lie ahead and many more.
Enjoy reading!
Recap
Research
Recap: Expert group on Research
18/02/2026
The Expert Group on Research met on 17 February at the CEP office in Utrecht, The Netherlands, for its annual face‑to‑face meeting.
New
CEP members
New CEP member: Killian Evert
17/02/2026
In recent weeks, CEP has interviewed individual members and representatives of the new member organisations that joined CEP at the beginning of 2026. In these interviews, the new member organisations or individual members will share information on why they decided to become members, how they would like to contribute to the development of CEP and many more.
Enjoy reading!
New
CEP Board
Interview with new CEP board member Line Elisabeth Wilberg
11/02/2026
During the General Assembly in Austria, a new CEP Board got elected for the upcoming three years. In the coming weeks we will publish interviews with all newly-elected board members where they will share information on their professional background, how they would like to contribute, what challenges lie ahead and many more.
Enjoy reading!
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.