A 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

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.

Keywords:

• sex offenders
• trajectories
• collateral consequences
• sex offender registration and community notification

Acknowledgement

Funding for this research was provided by the National Institute of Justice via award #2009-IJ-CX-0203 to Dr. Richard Tewksbury (Co-Principal Investigator) and Dr. Wesley G. Jennings (Co-Principal Investigator). Opinions or points of view expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policies of the US Department of Justice.