NCJ Number
158017
Date Published
1994
Length
66 pages
Annotation
This analysis of implementation of Minnesota's psychopathic personality commitment law with respect to sex offenders revealed that the use of the law has increased sharply since 1991, mainly to confine high-risk sex offenders in a State security hospital after they have served their prison sentences.
Abstract
The law was enacted in 1939 and used relatively infrequently until 1991. It provides for the indefinite civil commitment of dangerous sex offenders to the Department of Human Services for treatment. The analysis focused on the numbers of sex offenders committed, the standards and procedures followed, treatment costs, and other States' responses to public concerned about sex offenders who pose high risks to commit additional offenses. Results revealed that problems exist in the law's current application, in part due to its use after a prison stay. In addition, if commitments continue at the current rate, State institutions housing psychopathic personality commitments will be filled to capacity within a few years, even though the State legislature has authorized the construction of a new facility at Moose Lake. Furthermore, confinement in mental health facilities is at least twice as expensive as in State prisons. Options for the legislature to consider include improvising or replacing the current commitment law and allowing for the indefinite confinement of sex offenders in prison. Figures, footnotes, and agency comments