Citation

Letourneau EJ, Bandyopadhyay D, Sinha D, Armstrong KS. Crim. Justice Policy Rev. 2009; 20(2): 136-153.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0887403408327917

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examines the influence of South Carolina's sex offender registration policy on juvenile offender recidivism risk. Juvenile male sexual offender (N = 1,275) risk of recidivism was examined with an average 9-year follow-up. Survival analysis was used to examine the influence of covariates, including the primary time-dependent covariate registration status at time, on risk of new sexual offense charges and adjudications. A competing risks model was used to explain the effects of covariates on different types of recidivism events (sexual, assault, and other). Registration status at time had a significant effect on risk of new "other" offense charges and a marginal (p < .10) effect on risk of sexual offense charges (survival analysis) but no statistical evidence of affecting risk of new adjudications. Results suggest a surveillance effect leading to unnecessary charges for registered (vs. nonregistered) youth. State and national policy implications are discussed.