Sex offender policy is one of the most controversial areas of criminal justice policy. The popular hatred of sex offenders as a group is unparalled to any other kind of offender (Jung & Nutely, 2008, p. 191). Over the past few decades, in both the USA and the UK, there has been an unprecedented rise in public and media concern about sex offenders and in particular the risks posed by sex offenders on their release from custody (Kemshall & Maguire, 2003, p. 102). Managing those who are perceived as a danger to society has resulted in the introduction of legislation designed to regulate the behaviour of sex offenders. One of the most notable and widespread statutory reforms was the creation of sex offender registration and community notification laws (McAlinden, 2006, p. 193).
Thomas (2005, p. 154) explains that sex offender registration and community notification/disclosure laws require certain categories of sex offenders to notify their names and address, and any changes to these details to the police in the community where they wish to live, this provides the police with a list of previously convicted sex offenders and their crimes. This information is then presumed to be useful when a new crime is reported in that it could help identify suspects. Furthermore, it could be useful in preventing crime and might act as a deterrent (Thomas, 2005, p. 154). The conditions attached to notification and degree of public disclosure permitted to the local community varies depending on the assessed level of risk but public notification/disclosure programmes are useful in that they make it possible for potential victims, their families, and community institutions to protect themselves against known sexual threats (Thomas, 2005, p. 154).
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Origins of Sex Offender Registration and Notification/Disclosure Programmes
- Public Notification/Disclosure in the USA
- Public Notification/Disclosure in the UK
- Criticisms of Sex Offender Public Notification/Disclosure Programmes
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to critically compare and contrast the public notification/disclosure programmes for sex offenders currently in operation in the UK and the USA. The main objective is to examine the origins, development, and effectiveness of these policies, while highlighting the key arguments surrounding their implementation and impact. Key themes explored in the text include:- The rise of public and media concern about sex offenders
- The rationale for sex offender registration and notification laws
- The evolution of public notification/disclosure policies in both countries
- The effectiveness of these policies and the potential for unintended consequences
- The ethical and legal considerations surrounding public access to sex offender information
Chapter Summaries
The text begins by tracing the origins of sex offender registration and notification/disclosure programmes back to the USA, where they originated in the 1940s. The author then delves into the public notification/disclosure policies in the USA, highlighting the key legislation and practices, including the use of online registries and direct community notification strategies.
The text subsequently focuses on the UK's approach to sex offender registration and notification/disclosure, outlining the evolution of legislation and the introduction of 'discretionary disclosure' through Sarah's Law. This section contrasts the UK's more controlled approach with the widespread public access to sex offender information in the USA.
The author then examines the various criticisms of sex offender public notification/disclosure programmes. These criticisms include concerns about the potential for public shaming, the effectiveness of these policies in reducing recidivism, and the impact on the reintegration of offenders into society.
The chapter summaries conclude with a discussion of the potential for unintended consequences associated with public notification/disclosure, such as increased fear and insecurity among the public and the potential for harassment of offenders.
Keywords
The text centers around the concepts of sex offender management, public notification/disclosure, community notification, sex offender registration, recidivism, privacy, social reintegration, and the impact of media and public perceptions. Key themes include the intersection of criminal justice policy, public safety, and ethical considerations surrounding the balance between community protection and the rights of individuals.- Citation du texte
- Toryill Deacon (Auteur), 2012, Critically compare and contrast the public notification/disclosure programmes currently in operation in the UK and the USA., Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/197809
