In Minnesota, a high profile sexual homicide allegedly committed by a parolee who was not civilly committed as mentally ill and dangerous or sexually dangerous has brought to question the State’s risk assessment policies. Due to the high profile nature of this case, the State Operated Forensic Services (SOPS) in Minnesota has attempted to implement heightened standards in their violence risk assessment policy for both mentally ill and dangerous and sexually violent offender populations. This article demonstrates how a high profile sexual homicide can cause tremendous political and societal upheaval, and lead to changes in a State forensic system’s risk assessment procedures. An outline of the revised risk assessment standards within a State operated civil commitment forensic hospital is presented, as well as a case study of a civilly committed sex offender who was examined under the new standards. Risk appraisals assist in identifying offenders likely to engage in future violence as well as classifying risk factors that can be managed; ultimately guiding treatment planning and community placement. References