Castration Sex Offenders

¶ … chemical castration for sex offenders. Specifically it will discuss why chemical castration for sex offenders is necessary to control sex offenders in the general population, and how the "three strikes" laws need to be enhanced for sex offenders. Chemical castration is the ultimate solution for some sex offenders who cannot control their need to abuse others, and it may be the only way some offenders can actually live in communities and attempt to live productive lives outside of incarceration.

The recent series of sex crimes and murders in the news points to a severe problem with sex offenders on the loose and unmonitored by local police departments. Often, the general population does not know there is a sex offender living next door or down the street until it is too late. The problem is more widespread than many people know, and so, a workable solution to the problem needs to be found as soon as possible. SOLUTION The solution to widespread sex offenders in communities is twofold.

First, studies since the 1960s have shown that use of the drugs cyproterone acetate (CA) and medoxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) are extremely effective in treating many sex offenders. The drugs tend to lower testosterone levels and libido in many sexual offenders, which makes them safer and less apt to molest children or adults in the community. One researcher notes, "Meyer, Walker, Emory, and Smith report that MPA significantly reduced plasma testosterone levels in rapists, exhibitionists, and others who committed pedophilia.

The initial dose of MPA was usually 400 mg/week, but was lowered substantially over time as it was found to be effective" (Thiessen 157). Another measure to control sex offenders in California is a much stronger law even than three-strikes. Another expert notes, "In addition to the three-strikes bills now in effect in most states, some also have one-strike laws aimed at those convicted of rape or child molesting, like California's, which can mandate twenty-five years to life for a first offense" (Kincaid 91).

Thus, sex offenders face stricter and longer jail sentences to keep them off the streets, and those that are released back into society face chemical castration to make sure they do not commit more sexual crimes in their communities. THEORY The theory behind chemical castration is simple. By reducing a sex offender's hormonal reaction to sex and sexual stimulus, the sex offender no longer feels the compulsion to molest or have sex with others. This theory has been tested in California, which passed a chemical castration law in 1996 (Kincaid 90).

Sex offenders in that state can also choose to be surgically castrated. This theory takes into account the many studies that have linked successful treatment of sex offenders to chemical castration, and the theory that these people are unable to control their own sexual urges, and so drugs or other treatment must be used to keep the population safe from these sexual predators. There is another theory behind creating chemical castration laws, and that is the theory of deterrence.

This theory believes that some criminal activities may be avoided if the criminals know the punishment they will receive if they commit these crimes. Some offenders may be able to control their urges if they understand they could face chemical castration as a result (Roberts and Sluder 184). Thus, there is more than one theory behind the idea of chemical castration, and implementing these laws could stop some crimes from being committed before the offender ever begins a life of sexual predatory behavior.

EVALUATION Evaluation of the theory and treatment of sex offenders by chemical castration would be relatively simple. Since California has had these laws in place for nearly 10 years, various studies and research could look into sex crimes in California, and see if they are increasing or decreasing. These studies would also look at who is committing these sex crimes, whether they are new sex offenders or those who have already been convicted of a sex crime in the past.

These studies would clearly show how effective these laws have been so far, and what to look forward to in the future. Researcher Thiessen has already looked into certain studies on chemical castration and notes, "These few studies suggest that reductions in testosterone effectiveness with MPA or CA decrease the overall libido, decrease sexual aggression, lessen interest in sexual thoughts and behaviors, and prevent the full range of physiological responses to sexual stimuli" (Thiessen 158).

Since California implemented their chemical castration laws, several other states have followed suit (Meisenkothen 139), and so, there should be ample data available, as more sex offenders reach their parole time, to study the affects of the chemical castration laws and how they have affected public safety. CONCLUSION In conclusion, studies.