Collateral Consequences and Effectiveness of Sex Offender Registration and Notification: Law Enforcement Perspectives

Abstract

A growing body of research has examined the collateral effects of sex offender registration and notification (SORN), particularly those related to offenders' social and economic reintegration into society. Although studies have examined public, offender, treatment provider, and other criminal justice perspectives on SORN's collateral impacts, few have elicited the views of law enforcement (LE) professionals who have contact with registered offenders. This study presents results from a mixed method study examining LE perspectives on collateral consequences and effectiveness of SORN. Results indicate that, although overall LE concern regarding collateral impacts is limited, those who are most engaged in SORN-related duties are significantly more likely to indicate such concern, and also more likely to believe that SORN was an effective public safety tool. Importantly, respondents in states with larger registries expressed greater concern over collateral consequences, and less belief in SORN's public safety efficacy. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.

How Background Relates to Perceptions of Child Sexual Abuse Prevention and Policies Related to Individuals Convicted of Sex Crimes

“…Third, the law and policy–focused background and the victim-focused background were strikingly similar in their beliefs regarding the efficacy of postrelease SOPs. The greater belief in containment-based SOPs (compared with ICSC-focused individuals) supports prior findings on law enforcement professionals, particularly those tasked with enforcing SOPs (e.g., Cubellis, Walfield, & Harris, 2018; Meloy, Boatwright, & Curtis, 2013; Redlich, 2001). Yet, the victim-focused findings stand in contrast to other research that shows a general disbelief in the efficacy of containment-based SOPs (e.g., Craun & Simmons, 2012).…”

Veterans in Prison for Sexual Offenses: Characteristics and Reentry Service Needs

“…Community notification of their sex offender status or sex offender registries can compound housing difficulties: 24% of people said they moved after their landlord learned about their criminal history, and 20% said they moved after their neighbors found out (Mercado et al, 2008). Furthermore, some landlords will not rent to people on sex offender registries (Cubellis, Walfield, & Harris, 2018) further diminishing the already small stock of available housing options. Difficulties finding housing coupled with other market forces, such as increased rent prices and higher population density, can increase the likelihood that a person with a sexual offense history will become homeless (Socia, Levenson, Ackerman, & Harris, 2015).…”

Seen and Not Heard: The Service User’s Experience Through the Justice System of Individuals Convicted of Sexual Offenses

“…People convicted of sexual offenses suffer numerous negative collateral consequences of their criminal convictions and the social stigma attached to their offending histories (Hudson, 2005;Tewksbury, Jennings, & Zgoba, 2012). This complicates their return to the community, obstructs their integration, increases their risk of reoffending, and impedes their ability to live an offensefree life (Cubellis, Walfield, & Harris, 2016;Harris, 2017;Matravers, 2013). This article illustrates how these unintended negative consequences are more likely if the person believes that neither the services nor the service providers are interested in or committed to hearing their voice.…”