Where for Art Thou? Transient Sex Offenders and Residence Restrictions
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-2015
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to better understand transient (homeless) sex offenders in the context of residence restriction laws. Using the entire population of registered sex offenders (RSOs) living in the community in Florida (n = 23,523), transients were compared with other sex offenders on relevant demographics, risk factors, county characteristics, and residence restriction variables. Significantly higher proportions of transient sex offenders were found in counties with a larger number of local-level restrictions, vast territory covered by these laws, wide-distance buffer zones, higher population density, and expensive housing costs. Sex offenders were more likely than the general population to become homeless. Transients were more likely than non-transients to have a history of registry violation. Few transients absconded, but when they did, they were more likely to abscond from registration than probation. When implementing sex offender management policies, lawmakers should consider transience as an unintended negative consequence.
Publication
Criminal Justice Policy Review
Publisher
SAGE Publishing
Volume
26
Issue
4
Pages
319-344
Department
College of Arts and Sciences
Peer Reviewed
1
Publication History
Article first published online: December 4, 2013 | Issue published: June 2015
Recommended Citation
Levenson, J. S., Ackerman, A. R., Socia, K. M., & Harris, A. J. (2015). Where for art thou? Transient sex offenders and residence restrictions. Criminal Justice Policy Review, 26(4), 319-344. https://doi.org/10.1177/0887403413512326
