NCJ Number
189202
Journal
Risk Management: An International Journal Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: 2001 Pages: 47-60
Date Published
2001
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses police, press, and public perceptions of managing risk from sex offenders living in communities.
Abstract
Sex offending, especially against children, has acquired a significant public profile in recent years, in part through graphic media coverage of police investigations, conviction of perpetrators, and release of offenders. Offenders' return to the community is made more difficult by hostile broadcast and print media coverage, providing an additional dimension to risk management for professionals charged with public safety. This paper discusses aspects of the issues involved, and presents the results of an empirical investigation which explored the views of 5 specialist police officers dealing with sex offenders, 4 generalist uniformed police officers, 10 members of the public, and 3 newspaper crime journalists about different types of sex offenders and their management. Police perceptions of the risks presented by sex offenders living in communities were distinct from public perceptions. Specialist police officers were more pragmatic in terms of how sex offenders should be dealt with, while generalist police were more concerned with law and possible disorder. Journalists showed risk perceptions similar to those of some of the general public participants, but differed considerably from police officers. Both police and public were unhappy with media treatment of sex offending and offenders. The paper discusses dimensions of risk management associated with sex offenders living in communities, including community notification, housing, and the potential for vigilantism. Figures, notes