TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2014//
TI  - Australian police officers' perceptions of sex offender registries
JO  - Policing and society
A1  - Powell, Martine
A1  - Day, Andrew
A1  - Benson, Mairi
A1  - Vess, Jim
A1  - Graffam, Joe
SP  - 120
EP  - 133
VL  - 24
IS  - 1
N2  - Sex offender registration schemes exist in most English speaking countries to assist police in the investigation of new crimes and to deter known offenders. To date, however, very little research has examined the efficacy of these registers. This study addresses this issue by providing the first qualitative analysis of police officers' perceptions of registration schemes. Twenty-four Australian police professionals (whose jobs were primarily associated with the operation of sex offender registration schemes) participated in focus groups in groups of 2-5 officers. Officers were recruited across three jurisdictions where quite distinct registration schemes operated. They were asked to reflect on how their register operates, how effective and efficient it is, the challenges faced in its administration and how the registry process might be improved. The key challenges addressed included; limitations in risk assessment expertise, restriction in legislative powers, and inadequate opportunity for specialisation. The implications for current practice are discussed.<p />
LA  - en
SN  - 1043-9463
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10439463.2013.784299
ID  - ref1
ER  -