NCJ Number
208736
Journal
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2005 Pages: 49-66
Editor(s)
Chris Eskridge
Date Published
February 2005
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study examined the consequences of community notification, Megan’s Law, on sex offenders’ rehabilitation and reintegration.
Abstract
Responding to high-profile sex crimes, Congress passed a law in 1994 mandating all 50 States to require sex offenders to register with local law enforcement agencies. In 1996, Megan’s Law was added to the Wetterling Act where States must have procedures in place to inform the public about sex offenders who live in close proximity to the community. However, the effect of Megan’s Law on offenders and communities remains unknown. The purpose of this exploratory study was to better understand the positive and negative, intended and unintended consequences of community notification on sex offenders’ rehabilitation and reintegration into the community. The study consisted of 183 participants from outpatient sex offender counseling centers in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, FL. These outpatient programs provided comprehensive, long-term treatment for adult males convicted of sex crimes. All participants were subjected to statutory registration and notification requirements. Not all participants reported suffering dire consequences or vigilantism as a result of community notification, but the proportion of offenders reporting such effects was considerable. The most common negative occurrences were job loss and threats or harassment. The least common occurrence was assault or injury. Tables and references