NCJ Number
197792
Journal
Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: Fall 2002 Pages: 32-44
Date Published
2002
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This literature review examined the findings of studies that focused on the recidivism rates of sex offenders.
Abstract
Most of the studies reviewed defined recidivism as reconvictions for any crime, but often would break down the recidivism rate into violent crimes, sexual crimes, and "other." The current literature review was restricted to studies that defined recidivism as return to prison, because this definition often indicates more certain guilt of the crime and more serious crimes. The findings of this literature review undermine the popular belief that "Once a sex offender, always a sex offender." Previous studies have found that sex offenders reoffend sexually at a rate, on average, of 35.1 percent over a period of 30 years. This suggests that a sex offense is often a one-time occurrence. Over 10 years, sexual assaulters and pedophiles, the two types of sex offenders believed to be most resistant to change, reoffend sexually at a rate of only 10.4 percent and 6.2 percent respectively; exhibitionists reoffend most often (20.5 percent). Although it is popular to believe that society is made safer by imprisoning all sex offenders for as long as constitutionally possible, this literature review shows that long-term imprisonment may cause more problems than it solves, since studies show that longer prison sentences have an apparent positive correlation to an increased recidivism rate. It is imperative that individual sex offenders be examined and evaluated both on the grounds of actuarial risk scales as well as on a clinical basis. Professional opinions may increase precision in making judgements about risk. 2 tables, 7 figures, and 44 references