Implementation of Minnesota’s Community Notification Act of 1997 to Reduce Reoffending
Problems addressed
Recidivism
Sexual violence
Effectiveness

Promising

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Promising

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Life periods served
Adults (18 to 59 years)
Where the program was applied
Community (streets or community centers)
Country of application
United States
Description

This is a law that authorizes the notification of communities about sex offenders released from the prison system. Offenders are classified according to their level of risk and dangerousness.
For Level I (low-risk) offenders, notifications are sent to victims, witnesses to the crime, law enforcement, and any other person identified by the prosecutor. For Level II (moderate-risk) offenders, notifications are sent to all stakeholders, including Level I offenders and local schools, daycare centers, or any other institution where there are potential victims. For Level III (high-risk) offenders, notifications are sent to all stakeholders included in Levels I and II.

Impact evaluations

An impact evaluation revealed that the program contributed to a reduction in recidivism into sexual offenses among offenders released from the prison system and subject to extensive notification, compared to those released without notification [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Duwe, G. & Donnay, W. (2008). The Impact of Megan's Law on Sex Offender Recidivism: The Minnesota Experience. Criminology, 46(2), 411–446. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-9125.2008.00114.x

Information source