Comparative Longitudinal Analysis of Recidivism Trajectories and Collateral Consequences for Sex and Non-Sex Offenders Released Since the Implementation of Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification

• NCJ Number: 241967
• Author(s): Wesley G. Jennings, Richard Tewksbury, Kristen M. Zgoba
• Date Published: November 2012
• Length: 9 pages
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Award: Sex Offenders: Recidivism and Collateral Consequences

Annotation

This study examined whether the recidivism trajectories post-prison release for post-sex offender registration and community notification (SORN) sex offenders were similar to or different from the recidivism trajectories post-prison release for post-SORN non-sex offenders who were released from prison via parole.

Abstract

The current study examines whether the recidivism trajectories post-prison release for post-sex offender registration and community notification (SORN) sex offenders are similar to or different from the recidivism trajectories post-prison release for post-SORN non-sex offenders who are released from prison via parole. Furthermore, this study also focuses on whether or not a series of collateral consequences are experienced similarly or differently among these post-SORN sex and post-SORN non-sex offender parolees. Using random samples of 247 post-SORN sex offenders and 250 post-SORN non-sex offenders released from prison in New Jersey via parole, the results indicate that sex offender and non-sex offender trajectories are similar with the exception being that there is a higher prevalence of non-sex offenders who exhibit a high-risk trajectory. Additional results demonstrate that, although sex offenders and non-sex offenders share the experience of collateral consequences, several collateral consequences including not living with friends, living in group facilities, and residential relocation appear to differentially impact sex offenders post-prison release. Study limitations and policy implications are also discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.