From the Vermont Department of Corrections
Legislative and other interventions designed to protect the public from sex offenders, however, often have been implemented without regard to important differences among individuals who commit these crimes. Not all sex offenders are the same. [...]
Because risk assessments can have a profound impact on community safety, offenders’ liberty and wise allocation of public resources, their accuracy is critically important. [...]
Practical application involves providing more intensive treatment, supervision, and management services to higher risk sex offenders and less intensive services to lower risk individuals.
NOTE: “Sexual Recidivism” compared to “Return to Prison Rates” is substantially lower. The actual recidivism is found on the chart to the left (top). The much higher numbers for those returning to prison is found on the chart to the right (bottom). As you can see, the “Return to Prison Rates” are what most lawmakers quote when justifying harsher laws.
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