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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
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)