NCJ Number
170232
Date Published
1996
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Research clearly indicates the threat posed by repeat child molesters is significant, and recommendations are offered to help police departments deal with this threat.
Abstract
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 2 of every 1,000 children have been sexually abused. In addition, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicates between 200 and 300 children are reported missing each year. Several child molestation cases have shaped public opinion about the issue and about the ability of police departments to deal with such cases. Trends involving child molesters concern the incarceration of convicted sex offenders, the treatment of inmates while they are in custody, and significant recidivism rates for convicted sex offenders. Strategies are outlined for dealing with the problem of child molestation that focus on the mandatory registration of convicted sex offenders, public notification efforts to let citizens know when a convicted sex offender is released into a particular community, State predator laws, clinical treatment of sex offenders, and the use of technology to protect the public from repeat child molesters. 57 endnotes