Implementation of Federal Sex-Offender Registry Requirements in 14 States
Life periods served
Where the program was applied
Country of application
Description

This legislation is aimed at registering persons who have committed sexual offenses against children and the use of this information by law enforcement officers. The objective is to standardize the information system, control offenders, and avoid child revictimization.
The registry includes a photo, name, address, and the crime committed, and is used as a resource for investigations and criminal background checks prior to employment in the childcare sector.
Implementing the registration system entails:
1) Recording the data related to perpetrators of sexual offenses against children for at least 10 years;
2) Informing offenders of the existence of the registry upon release from prison;
3) Requiring offenders to update their data;
4) Periodically verifying the offender’s address; and
5) Disclosing, when necessary, the information on record for community and civil purposes.

Impact evaluations

An impact evaluation showed no statistically significant effects on overall sex offense rates, sex offense recidivism, or conviction and incarceration for sex offenses. There was no effect on other offenses committed by sex offenders tracked by the program either [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Agan, A. Y. (2011). Sex Offender Registries: Fear without Function? The Journal of Law and Economics, 54(1), 207–239. https://doi.org/10.1086/658483

Information source