Bobby Joe Long Case Study

Bobby (Robert) Joe Long is a sexual offender/ predator flyer registered in the state of Florida, and he committed crimes in the early 1980’s (Tumblr, n.d.). Long was also a serial killer, and his violent sexual acts occurred for a long period of time around the Tampa Bay Area. The convicted killer and rapist grew up in an unstable home, where his parent’ relationship was on and off over time. Since the offender committed robbery, rape and murder, it is likely that there was a strong desire to control others. Long was called “Classified Ad Rapist”, and he responded to the ads targeting women who were alone at home (Tumblr, n.d.). Even though, he had been tried for rape, he was not convicted, and his violent murderous tendencies escalated. Over time he started visiting backstreet locations, seedy bars and prostitution, looking for vulnerable victims who were alone.

In looking at the potential causes of sexually violent offenses, it is necessary to consider the offender’s history and experiences.

Child development issues may provide clues to his dysfunctional behavior, where he shared a bed with his mother up to his teenage years. He also briefly grew breasts because of a genetic disorder, while he hated his mother and also did not have a cordial relationship with his father. His experiences as a young boy and a teenager may have affected his psyche, potentially damaged for life, his deep hatred for women may have been manifested because of his fraught relationship with his mother, his physical features. Additionally, feelings of rejection have a direct impact on how people behave around others, and this was manifested as a deep hatred for women, and he desired to control

them.
Bobby Long also suffered head injuries, at a young age and this may have contributed to some of his behaviors (Tumblr, n.d.). The lack of attention increases the risk of children failing to form lasting relationships, and Bobby lacked emotional attachment. Even though, being neglected in childhood does not necessarily increase to antisocial behavior, when there is instability this worsens the situation. In any case, the parenting styles have a direct psychological impact on children. Anger is one of the defense mechanism for those who feel rejected. This is worsened when there is heightened anxiety among sex offenders whose personal information is publicly available in sex offender registries (Tewksbury, 2008).
The state sex offender registries are important since they contain records that permit law enforcement officers to capture information on offenders and make possible profiles. Sexual offenders typically have a modus operandi, and identifying patterns is crucial to stopping violent sex offense. Kardasz (2012), points out that proactive investigations are critical to the success of law enforcement efforts to tackle internet crimes especially child abuse. When there is mediate coverage and concerns of sexual offenses, there is greater support for sex offender legislation (Sample & Kadleck, 2008). Even with the best of intentions state offender registries may result in the harassment, stigmatization an isolation of offenders, increasing the risk of reoffending and prompt further behavior (Sample & Kadleck, 2008).
The sex offender policies focus on eliminating the risk of reoffending, where the communities are well aware of the sex offenders amongst them. Additionally, the registries, and surveillance efforts make it easier to protect communities, as offenders are deterred when their status is known (Vásquez, Maddan, & Walker, 2008). The registries are effective when there is no overreaction, and when they deter sex offenders, as this is a factor that impedes them from their violent acts even when they have the motivation. Using the sex offender registries is ethical, but efforts should be made to protect the families of offenders who may be harassed by the community members.