NCJ Number
235026
Journal
Justice Quarterly Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2011 Pages: 303-324
Date Published
April 2011
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the effect of community notification laws on recidivism rates for sex offenders.
Abstract
While sex offender registration laws with notification provisions are now over a decade old, little is known about how these policies influence the prevention of sex offending. Very few studies have considered the impact of notification on sex offender recidivism or the effect of these laws on sex crimes, generally. This study considers the effectiveness of offender tracking and declaration at the State level through evaluation of current sex offender laws in Arkansas. Using a quasi-experimental regression-discontinuity design, this research evaluated the recidivism of the first three waves of sex offenders registered in the State (1997-1999) vs. a comparison group of sex offenders from a decade earlier (1987-1989). Findings indicate there is no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of recidivism. Policy implications are discussed. (Published Abstract)