NCJ Number
195379
Date Published
2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study explored the reconviction rates of serious sex offenders 4 to 6 years after their release from long determinate sentences of imprisonment in the United Kingdom.
Abstract
This study conducted an analysis of 192 male sex offenders in the United Kingdom that were serving determinate sentences of 4 years or longer and considered for parole in 1992, 1993, and 1994 to examine reconviction rates of serious sex offenders, as well as an assessment of risk. The characteristics of the inmates studied consisted of the types of offenses for which they were incarcerated and their previous criminal history. Distinctions were drawn between reconvictions for sexual, violent non-sexual, and other offenses, as well as victim type. Data were provided on those identified as high risk by members of the parole board. Selected key findings included: (1) the proportion reconvicted of another sexual offense during the follow up periods was relatively low; (2) the proportion reconvicted varied according to the type of victim; (3) all those subsequently convicted of an additional sexual offense within the 4 year follow up had been identified as dangerous or high risk by at least one member of the Parole Board panel; (4) 9 out of 10 of those thought to pose a high risk were not reconvicted of a sexual offense within 4 years of their release; (5) when a parole board panel member did not identify a sex offender as a high risk, only one was reconvicted of a sexual offense; and (6) an actuarial risk assessment instrument (Static-99) produced fewer false positives but more false negatives than parole board members’ assessment of high risk. These findings challenge some preconceptions of those risks posed by sex offenders and have implications for sentencing and parole policies. Tables