A Forty Year Life Course Analysis of a Sample of One Thousand Released Sex Offenders

• In Event: Advances in Sex Offender Policy Research: Re-entry and Reintegration I

Abstract

This presentation will present the results from a longitudinal analysis of criminal offending over the life course of 1,000 sexual offenders incarcerated and released from state prison in the 1970s, and followed through the criminal justice system for approximately 40 years. Specifically, the session will explore 1) whether sexual offenders commit a variety of criminal offenses; 2) whether a 'gateway' crime be identified, 3) whether factors that have been identified as previous correlates of recidivism relevant over a 40 year analysis and, 4) the potential policy implications of the research findings. The presentation will also discuss efforts underway to conduct future research on a matched control group of non-sexual offenders.

Authors

• Kristen M. Zgoba, NJ Department of Corrections

• Laura M. Salerno, Rutgers University