The term SARATSO refers to evidence-based, state authorized risk assessment tools used for evaluating sex offenders.
State law established the SARATSO (State Authorized Risk Assessment Tools for Sex Offenders) Review Committee, to consider the selection of the risk assessment tools for California. Research shows that the most accurate way of predicting whether a sex offender will reoffend is by utilizing a validated risk assessment instrument.
A collaborative approach to sex offender management, known as the Containment Model, is used in California. Communication and collaboration among the supervising officer, treatment provider, and polygraph examiner are the heart of this model, which relies on ongoing communication about risk.
GEARS Transition
SARATSO transitioned to the GEARS platform on June 1, 2022. Certified Scorers mandated to score the violence and/or dynamic risk assessment tools should have received an e-mail from the GEARS system inviting them to register their account on May 31, 2022. If you are a current certified scorer for the violence and/or dynamic risk tool, and provide services to clients in the community but have not received a link to register, please reach out to SARATSO staff at SARATSO@cdcr.ca.gov.
If you are currently registered, but notice that your county information needs to be updated, please send your request to SARATSO Staff at SARATSO@cdcr.ca.gov.
GEARS learning resources and video tutorials are located on the password protected certified scorers portal.