The National Council on Crime and Delinquency released a critique in February of this year that should be required reading for professionals thinking about the “what” and “how” of using various assessment tools to measure risks, needs, criminogenic needs, risk of recidivism, and more. A Question of Evidence: A Critique of Risk Assessment Models Used in the Justice System reminds us that it is easy to become overwhelmed with “fancy” tools that may or may not have any basis in actually measuring risk. And, confusing needs and risks in tools may lead practitioners down a path that takes us further away from the desired end – finding valid ways to focus our limited resources on those offenders who are the most likely to reoffend – and leave the others alone! It’s worth taking a step back and reading this critique.