U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

From Police Interrogation to Prison: Which Sex Offender Characteristics Predict Confession?

NCJ Number
240877
Journal
Police Quarterly Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2012 Pages: 197-214
Author(s)
Eric Beauregard; Tom Mieczkowski
Date Published
June 2012
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study aimed to examine sex offender characteristics associated with a decision to confess.
Abstract
The study aimed to examine sex offender characteristics associated with a decision to confess. Based on the analysis of 624 sex offenders, the findings showed that, depending on the type of sex offender, different characteristics are associated with their likelihood of confessing during the police interrogation. Moreover, distinguishing between those who fully confess and those who only confess partially yielded mixed findings. Finally, the results showed that confession was not static and that offender characteristics were associated with a decision to confess once admitted to the prison. The findings are discussed in light of the implications for interrogation strategies. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.