Abstract

The goal is to share policy implications of sensitive, specific internet-based tests in place of current approaches to lowering violence, namely fewer mass murders, suicides, homicides. When used, internet-based tests save lives and money. From 2009-2015, a Chicago field test had 324 fewer homicides (saving $2,089,848,548, ROI=6.42). In 60 yrs., conventional approaches for high risk persons (e.g.,. inappropriately releasing poor, severely mentally ill) led to unnecessary expense including yearly: (a) 300 mass murders (59% demonstrating psychiatric conditions); (b) 1-6% having costly personnel challenges; (c) 2,100,000 “revolving door” Emergency-Room (ER) psychiatric admissions (41,149 suicides, 90% mentally ill); (d) 10,000,000 prisoners (14,146 homicides, 20% psychiatric challenges). Current metrics fail [success rates from 25%-73%: (1) for background checks (25%); (2) interviews (M=46%); (3) physical exams (M=49%); (4) other tests (M=73%)]. Internet-based tests are simultaneously sensitive (97%), specific (97%), non-discriminatory, objective, inexpensive, $100/test, require 2-4 hrs.

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