Understanding the Impact of Sex Offender Registration: An Examination of Changes in Offense Type and the Predictors of Recidivism Among Registered Sex Offenders

• NCJ Number: 233562
• Journal: Justice Research and Policy Volume: 11 Dated: 2009 Pages: 1-25
• Author(s): Todd Armstrong; Charles M. Katz; Vincent Webb
• Date Published: 2009
• Length: 25 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined post-registration recidivism of sex offenders.

Abstract

This study uses a random sample (N = 244) of registered sex offenders taken in a large southwestern city. Within a post-registration period that averaged approximately 5.5 years, 46.72 percent of the sample was rearrested for any crime. During the same post-registration period, 20.08 percent of the sample had an arrest charge for a sex offense. The relative frequency of charges for sexual assault and child sex crimes was lower at post-registration, while the relative frequency of charges for other sex crimes was slightly higher. Prior arrest and sex offender levels were the most consistent predictors of post-registration recidivism. (Published Abstract)