The aim of the article is to analyse the possibilities available to Polish specialists in the process of assessing the risk of violence and accompanying difficulties. In the study, three categories of problems related to the assessment of the violence risk are taken into account: systemic, personal and methodological. In accordance with the conclusions formulated based on the results of the authors’ research, an analysis of the literature and on the recommendations of the creators of internationally recognised tools for assessing the risk of violence, a model procedure for diagnosing and monitoring risk was proposed, aimed at improving the accuracy and effectiveness of assessment in Polish conditions. The authors also formulate recommendations for improving activities at systemic, personal and methodological levels, facilitating the effective and efficient implementation of the model procedure in psychiatric and penitentiary areas.