Predictors of Rearrest for Rapists and Child Molesters on Probation

• NCJ Number: 218737
• Journal: Criminal Justice and Behavior: An International Journal Volume: 34 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2007 Pages: 752-768
• Author(s): Naomi J. Freeman
• Date Published: June 2007
• Length: 17 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Drawing on a sample of sex offender probationers, this study explored whether predictors of rearrest differed for rapists and child molesters.

Abstract

Study results indicated that at the 3-year follow-up, rapists were significantly more likely than child molesters to be rearrested for a nonsexual crime whereas child molesters were significantly more likely to be rearrested for a sexual offense. Specifically, 30.7 percent of the 5,331 probationers were rearrested for a nonsexual offense, which were mainly drug offenses, assault offenses, and traffic violations. Only 5.5 percent of the probationers were rearrested for a sexual offense, most likely sexual misconduct or abuse, rape, or sodomy. Other findings revealed that both criminal history and offender age were significant predictors of rearrest for both rapists and child molesters. Rapists who were young and had more extensive criminal histories were more likely to be rearrested for a nonsexual offense while child molesters who were young and had extensive criminal histories were more likely to be rearrested for sexual offenses. The results suggest that unlike rapists, who are generally motivated by violence, child molesters are motivated by the sexual components of the offense, making them more likely to commit future sexual offenses. The different patterns of rearrest for child molesters and rapists indicated that interventions and services for these populations should also be different and should target the known motivations of these offenders. Future research should focus on developing targeted intervention programs to specific types of sex offenders. Data were drawn from the New York State sex offender registry for 5,331 sexual offense probationers, which contained offender demographics, offense characteristics, and victim information for all registered sex offenders in the State. Data on criminal histories were drawn for all registered sex offenders from the New York State computerized criminal history database. Chi-square tests and logistic regression models were used to analyze the data. Tables, notes, references