Poster #188 - Rule-Breaking vs. Law-Breaking: Technical Violations Among Released Sex Offenders in Washington State

• In Event: ASC Poster Session II

Abstract

Sex offenders under community supervision are often subject to intense conditions such as curfews, electronic monitoring, internet restrictions, mandatory treatment, and registration with local sheriff’s departments (Alper & Durose, 2019; CSG, 2015; English et al., 2016; Wright, 2008). Violations of these conditions can lead to sanctions and potential revocation. Although it is assumed these conditions prevent future sex offending, research shows that sex offenders are more likely to commit technical violations than new sex crimes (Alper & Durose, 2019; Hanson & Morton-Bourgon, 2004). Despite the distinctions between violations and new criminal activity, few studies differentiate between them when analyzing recidivism. The comparison of recidivism rates between sex offenders and other released individuals is not directly related to the focus on technical violations. The likelihood of rearrest for rape or sexual assault is under 2% in the first year post-release and it remains below 8% after nine years, with an overall recidivism rate of 67%, lower than the 84% observed among other released individuals (Alper & Durose, 2019). This study examines technical violations among released sex offenders in Washington State (2008–2012), utilizing propensity score matching to compare these violations to those committed by individuals released for other interpersonal offenses. Results and implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Mazarine Higgins, Washington State University

• Christopher M. Campbell, Portland State University

• Roger Lewis Schaefer, Central Washington University