Interesting paper on sex offenders

A helpful reader has pointed me to this interesting new paper from the Center for Community Alternatives entitled “Responding to Sexual Offenses: Research, Reason and Public Safety.”  The paper discusses research on evidence-based practice dealing with sex offenders and calls for a more nuanced and less categorical approach to initiatives like residence restrictions and registration requirements.  Here are the opening paragraphs:

There is likely no criminal behavior that breeds as much condemnation and fear as sex offending. There are tragic examples of young victims of sex offenders in New York State and across the country that have raised our concerns, and prompted calls for increased surveillance, control and incapacitation. It is responsible public policy to address these concerns in ways that will increase public protection that are based on research and evidence. An evidence-based approach ensures that we will sequester only those who are likely to reoffend by committing serious, violent sexual offenses and affording treatment and effective supervision for those who do not fall into this category.

To date, much of the debate about sex offenders has been driven by the most horrific and heinous crimes that contribute to the myth that nothing works.  This ignores a growing body of research that documents what works, for whom and in what setting and context. This policy alert calls attention to some of the literature, and urges that new legislation on sex offenders, both criminal and civil penalties, be guided by this research and further expert consultation. We briefly address three key areas: assessment of people who commit sex offenses, the efficacy of treatment — what works for whom, and the use and misuse of civil commitment.  Finally, we draw upon lessons learned from the past and New York’s experience with legislation that was driven by fear and political rhetoric — the Rockefeller drug laws.