The term recidivism is problematic as several approaches exist for gauging recidivism. Each approach hinges on a somewhat distinct interpretation of re-engagement, offering varying perspectives on the issue under consideration. For PARSOL’s purposes, we look at PCCD research which examines, specifically, the rate of reentrants committing offenses of sexual harm. Proponents of the registry continue to lean on the 30-year-old myth that these rates are ‘frightening and high,’ citing unsupported statistics. PARSOL stands behind real data, including the following statistics:
- The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Recidivism 2022 report found parolees with sexual offenses have the lowest re-arrest rates of 28.9%.
- The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency 2022 study showed that out of 885 individuals convicted of child pornography offenses, 3.8% were rearrested within one year of post-release from incarceration, and 9.5% within three years of post-release from incarceration.
- The U.S. Sentencing Commission followed 32,135 federal persons who were incarcerated who reentered society in 2010 for eight years. The 2021 commission report showed 80 (0.2%) of the 32,135 were rearrested for sexual assault.
Additional Research & Information
