Are the Collateral Consequences of Being a Registered Sex Offender as Bad as We Think?

• In Event: Oppression of Dangerous Offenders

Abstract

Empirical research on the collateral consequences of sex offender registries on offenders’ lives has provided researchers, practitioners, and policy makers with an understanding of how unintended consequences can hinder successful reintegration into society. The methodologies of these studies, however, tend to examine the problem from a similar, singular perspective, and therefore make it difficult to know whether problems experienced by registrants are due to the registry or other processes. In this presentation, the literature and methodologies on the impact of sex offender registries on sex offenders will be reviewed. The presenters will then highlight additional methodological approaches so that a more comprehensive understanding is developed of how the perceived collateral consequences may be similar or different to other offenders or those living in socially disorganized areas. The use of diverse techniques to either validate the current findings or expand our understanding of collateral consequences can help determine if the registry is truly causing harm. Consequently if that harm is significant and independent of the previously used methodologies, then measuring the registry effect independent of these other pathways will provide more persuasive evidence to policymakers than extant research, along with helping to identify effective strategies to minimize difficulties with re-integration.

Authors

• Sarah Craun, United States Marshals Service

• David M. Bierie, United States Marshals Service