"A Qualitative Study: Sex Offenders’ Perceptions of the State’s Sex Off" by Ann Marie Elliott
 

Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice

Advisor

Grace Telesco

Committee Member

Brooke Elvington

Committee Member

Dawn Diedrich

Keywords

criminals, law enforcement, qualitative research, sexual abuse, victims of crime

Abstract

Sex offender registries (SOR) were created because of gruesome crimes committed against minors and the vulnerable, and they serve as a punishment. Empirically, SORs have become more functional over the years, so providing accurate information should be fundamental. It is the topic of discussion in many conversations, specifically during holidays and events involving minors, and it is used for background searches and ongoing investigations. Consequently, society expects the information displayed to be precise. Inaccurate information can potentially be harmful, especially to sex offenders. Nevertheless, when SOR is mentioned, rightfully so, society, including law enforcement, immediately exhibits sympathetic emotions for the victims of the atrocious crimes and the trauma they likely experienced.

It is no surprise that society sneers at and shows animus actions toward sex offenders and individuals accused of sex crimes. Factually, society is not programmed to think of the logic behind sex offenders’ actions towards others. Exploring to understand sex offenders’ experiences sheds light on the impact of being required to register, perhaps for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, there was a lack of research about sex offenders’ observation of the SOR. Therefore, a qualitative phenomenological was best suited to explore sex offenders’ views of the state’s SOR and capture their impacted experiences as they relate to registration requirements, including restrictions, if any.

As in any research, for a successful outcome, the study’s findings should be approached unbiasedly while using the results to help enhance needed changes to ensure RSOs’ challenges are alleviated as they try to re-enter society after their release from prison or placed on probation. The study identified significant obstacles with RSOs obtaining housing and employment due to the states’ SOR proximity restrictions. Criminal justice and legislative policy makers should collaborate and re-review Georgia SOR statutes that have been in place for over 25 years with minimal amendments that are, today, still behind modern times. Reviewing current laws and policies regarding Georgia SOR proximity restrictions will help update and reform the laws resulting in much needed changes.

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