Time-Series Analyses of the Impact of SORN Law

Time-Series Analyses of the Impact of Sex Offender Registration and Notification Law Implementation and Subsequent Modifications on Rates of Sexual Offenses

Jeff A. Bouffard 1 and LaQuana N. Askew 1

Abstract
Sex offender registration and notification (SORN) laws were implemented
to protect communities by increasing public awareness, and these laws have
expanded over time to include registration by more types of offenders. Despite
widespread implementation, research provides only inconsistent support for
the impact of SORN laws on incidence of sexual offending. Using data from
a large metropolitan area in Texas over the time period 1977 to 2012, and
employing a number of time-series analyses, we examine the impact of the
initial SORN implementation and two enhancements to the law. Results reveal
no effect of SORN, or its subsequent modifications, on all sexual offenses or
any of several specific offenses measures (e.g., crimes by repeat offenders).
Implications for effective policy and future research are presented.

Time_Series_Analyzes_of_the_Impact_of_SORN

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Categories: Civil Rights, Legislating Morality, Statistics and Research, Supervision and Restraints

Tags: criminal justice policy, registration and notification, sexual offending

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