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Introduction to the Supervision of the Cybersex Offender

NCJ Number
208956
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 68 Issue: 3 Dated: December 2004 Pages: 3-8
Author(s)
Art Bowker; Michael Gray
Date Published
December 2004
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article presents an overview of the cybersex offender and methods of probation and parole supervision for this type of offender.
Abstract
As technologies continue to advance, cybersex offenders will continue to proliferate. These offenders present unique challenges to law enforcement detection and supervision and, as such, it is important that probation and parole officers become familiar with how cybersex offenders operate using the Internet and how to best supervise these offenders in the community. Following a brief description of who cybersex offenders are and how they operate, the article discusses the deleterious effects on cybersex offenses on victims. Police investigators and parole and probation officers are encouraged to examine four main areas when dealing with cybersex offenders: (1) the offender’s files; (2) the offender’s equipment and Internet Service Provider; (3) the offender’s online activities; and (4) other activities of the offender occurring in the “real” world, such as employment involving juveniles. To effectively supervise cybersex offenders, it is important to: (1) identify the offender’s access to computers and the Internet; (2) provide a method for controlling access to computers and the Internet; and (3) provide a method for monitoring the Internet and computer activities of the offender. Three main options for supervision are described: (1) total prohibition of access to computers and the Internet; (2) restrictions on access to computers and the Internet; and (3) permitted access to computers and the Internet. Finally, two main monitoring methods are reviewed: (1) software or hardware monitoring equipment, and (2) computer seizures and searches. In order to control cybersex offenders in today’s society, it is crucial that community corrections officers master the skills necessary to effectively supervise cybersex offenders. Endnotes