Sex Offender Next Door Essay

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Recommended: Effective treatment for sexual offenders

Video Critique 4– The Sex Offender Next Door

This Nightline special is centered around the treatment of sex offenders after they are released from prison. Many Americans feel that rehabilitation for this type of crime does not happen. Clinton passed Megan’s law that requires the offender must register publicly that they are living in the area. Some argue that doing this type of notification and punishment is not working and we have moved far from rehabilitation. Treating these offenders like this and not trying to rehabilitate them is causing them to take their own lives. The story focused in on Jonathan Hawes a convicted child molester that served five and half years. We watched how the parole officers went door to door in the community …show more content…

I didn’t realize that each offender had to notify the public like they do and exactly what is involved with their parole visits once released. Watching this made me more aware of the process but more confused with my personal feelings on the topic. I have a daughter and really understand the concerns when you have someone like this move to your community. Fear sets in and it’s hard to get past that constant worry. On the other hand I feel for the individual in some cases like Jonathan that clearly made a mistake and is really working hard to correct his mistake and live a normal life. The criminal justice system has moved more towards accessing each offender now based on risk management. Working each case and deciding what risk level each person is and trying to rehabilitate their mind set and behaviors. (Gideon & Sung pg. 220) Our book and the video both talk about the relapse prevention model. The parole office is trying to use therapy and supervision to help rehabilitate the sexual offender into healthy thoughts and not perverted. The plethysmograph test puts images on the screen while they monitor his responses making sure he is not getting aroused. Jonathan is put through this screening and more to make sure he makes correct choices and being responsible. (The Sex Offender Next

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