Community Corrections for Professionals : Sex Offenders

More Lessons Learned in Implementing GPS

Eileen Conway — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:52:00 GMT

The Center for Evidence-Based Corrections, at the University of California, Irvine, has just posted the results of the first analysis of implementation and outcomes for GPS monitoring of high risk sex offender parolees in California. In Implementation and Early Outcomes for the San Diego High Risk Sex Offender (HRSO) GPS Pilot Program, the authors report on issues encountered with equipment, data use guidelines, effect on parolee recidivism, etc., useful findings as the pilot is in the process of expanding statewide.

Do You Need an Effective Tool to Monitor Sex Offender Computer Usage?

CC Pro — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:56:00 GMT

With almost 70% of sex offenders under community supervision, an effective way to manage and monitor their computer usage is essential to community corrections professionals. The National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) offers, free of charge to community corrections agencies, such a tool. Field Search, while not a forensic software application, is "designed as a fast and user-friendly investigation and management tool for field agents not trained in computer forensics." For further information and system requirements, click here.

How Effective is GPS in Monitoring Sex Offenders?

CC Pro — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 17:00:00 GMT

A recent report by the New Jersey State Parole Board on Global Positioning System (GPS) monitoring of sex offenders chronicles their initial experience with this technology. A pilot program to track sex offenders deemed most likely to re-offend, and who were not incarcerated or under civil commitment was initiated in October 2005. The monitored offenders were required to wear a transmitter on their ankle and carry a small cell-phone sized device anytime they left their residence. Of the 225 sex offenders monitored since 2005, only one individual in the program was implicated in a new sexual offense, and thanks to the monitoring device was apprehended at the scene. Twenty-four left the state.

Washington State Expands Monitoring of High Risk Sex Offenders

CC Pro — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:58:00 GMT

The Washington State Department of Corrections has been tasked by the Governor to craft a plan with local law enforcement agencies to increase the usage of electronic global positioning systems (GPS) to monitor highest risk sex offenders. The Community Corrections Division will have the responsibility of installing the equipment and selecting and managing the offenders to be monitored. This inter-agency initiative is being financed from the state's emergency fund.

Dealing With Sex Offender Reentry

CC Pro — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 20:02:00 GMT

Sex offender reentry presents unique challenges in terms of supervision, treatment, public safety and perception. The Center for Sex Offender Management provides a brief that will assist both institutional and community-based agencies in developing collaborative strategies that promote the "successful transition of sex offenders from prison to the community while ensuring victim and community safety."

Is a Lifetime Computer Ban on a Sex Offender Too Harsh?

CC Pro — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 18:22:00 GMT

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled on whether a lifetime ban on computer usage and Internet access imposed by the trial judge on an individual who confessed to receiving child pornography was too restrictive. Article here.

Resource for Investigators of Internet and Computer Crimes

CC Pro — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 21:10:00 GMT

The easy access to and the anonymity of the Internet has given rise to new categories of criminal offenses. Sexual predators masquerade as children/teenagers in an attempt to lure unsuspecting individuals into dangerous encounters. Pedophiles use the World Wide Web to trade and share illegal images. Violent offenders may use the Internet to gather information on current or future victims; electronic stalking, if you will. Other criminals find the Internet a convenient and relatively risk-free place to harvest and exploit the identities of others.

In recognition of these and other dangerous realities, the Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice has published a Special Report as a resource for law enforcement and corrections personnel to assist in the investigation of crimes involving the use of the Internet, networks and other devices that communicate through these electronic pathways. With more offenders having restricted computer usage as a term and condition of their release, this report can be a valuable tool for community corrections professionals to ensure their caseload is in compliance with prescribed prohibitions.

Related publications dealing with forensic examination of digital evidence and electronic crime scene investigation are also available.

Do Anti-Sex Offender Zoning Laws Promote or Weaken Public Safety?

CC Pro — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 15:24:00 GMT

A number of highly publicized incidents involving murders and rapes committed by sex offenders released from prison has prompted legislative efforts to place restrictions on where these ex-offenders may reside. At present, there are 22 states and many local jurisdictions that have residency restrictions prohibiting sex offenders from living near such places as churches, schools and parks. These prohibitions, however, are being challenged as unconstitutional by ex-offenders and civil rights groups who claim they amount to additional punishment and inhibit successful transition back into society. While current cases in federal and state courts will determine the constitutionality of these legislative edicts, there are concerns by law enforcement and corrections personnel that these restrictions may make it more difficult to track and monitor the activities of these individuals.

The Council of State Governments (CSG), with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, is developing a policy guide for "state and local government officials seeking housing options for people convicted of committing a sex offense who have been released into the community." This re-entry guide will "identify stable living arrangements for sex offenders given the range of residence restrictions against these individuals." Input is sought from programs that have developed successful strategies for obtaining suitable housing for sex offenders in the present and the past. Please provide any relevant information to Mr. Jordie Hannum ghannum@csg.org or Ms. Jamie Yoon jyoon@csg.org of CSG at: 212.482.2320.

States' Usage of GPS with Sex Offenders

CC Pro — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 23:20:00 GMT

The National Conference of State Legislatures has listed global positioning system (GPS) surveillance of sex offenders as one of the top 10 legislative issues for 2006. Find out which states have passed legislation to incorporate this technology in the supervision of sex offenders and how it is being used.