NCJ Number
232495
Journal
Victims and Offenders Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2008 Pages: 86-98
Date Published
January 2008
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study examined whether sex offenders are most likely to be found in socially disorganized communities and in communities with high concentrations of potential victims.
Abstract
Recent developments in sanctions for sex offenders emphasize use of sex offender registries and residential restrictions in efforts to raise public awareness and keep offenders away from possible victims. One consequence of such efforts is to relegate registered sex offenders to socially disorganized communities. The present study draws on census tract level data from one urban county and assesses whether offenders are likely to be found in socially disorganized communities and in communities with high concentrations of potential victims. Findings show that registered sex offenders are more likely to reside in socially disorganized and disadvantaged communities, but not in locations with large pools of most types of possible victims (e.g., women living alone, children). Residential location is explained in terms of economic factors, not desire to live near possible victims. Implications for current policies and practices are discussed. (Published Abstract)