Sex offenders and criminal recidivism: an exploratory trajectory analysis using a Virginia sample

Abstract

Several polices have been implemented in an effort to prevent sex offenders from recidivating. Many of these policies apply equally to all sex offenders, assuming that sex offenders are a homogenous group. Research has approached the study of sex offender recidivism rates similarly; not considering the possibility that sex offenders are comprised of distinct groups who have different risks of reoffending. The current study examines trajectories for a sample of sex offenders (N = 500) in Virginia and assesses the recidivism rates for each group. The results indicate three groups of offending paths exist. Subsequent analysis also revealed that sex offenders who follow a consistent path of sex offending are more likely to recidivate and commit violent, property, and drug offenses. A discussion of the implications of these findings is also presented.

Keywords:

• sex offenders
• trajectories
• recidivism
• sex offender registration