Offenders' rights and legal protections

Treatment Programs for Sex Offenders

Results of studies are inconclusive as to how often convicted sex offenders re-offend once released from prison. A Canadian study suggested the number is as high as 88%. (Bialik, 2008) However, Wisconsin psychologist Dennis Doren states, "There is no research support for that view, period." (Bialik, 2008) Another widely publicized report indicates the rate of re-offense to be 52%. (Bialik, 2008) If even half of the convicted sex offenders are likely to commit a similar crime once released, the number is too high.

One way to reduce the number of repeat offenders is to mandate participation in a treatment program. Once an offender is convicted of a crime, their Constitutional rights should be suspended. They should lose the free will that they enjoyed as a free member of society. As such, they should be required to undergo treatment for sexual assault. It should not even be a choice.

Sex offender treatment programs do work. A study conducted by the Alaska Department of Corrections concluded that treating sex offenders reduced the incidence of sexual re-offense or prolonged the time until re-offense. (Alaska Department of Corrections, 1996) The programs did not work for every offender. Sexual assault is not the result of a disease, so it cannot be cured. "It is an aggressive deviant behavior that results from the convergence of a complex number of factors." (Alaska Department of Corrections, 1996) It can, however, be contained and managed. If treatments programs work, the number of future victims is reduced, and that should be the goal.

The corrections process in the United States should be aimed at rehabilitation as much as possible. Sex offenders are unlikely to receive a life sentence. As a result, most will be back released one day, and they may find potential victims. While the offenders are in custody, it is in their best interest, as well as that of society, to receive any and all treatments possible. The Alaska study showed the greatest improvement when the treatment began early. As a result, sex offenders should receive treatment as soon after incarceration as possible.

Treating offenders may cost money, but a study by the Massachusetts Treatment Center concluded that the cost of treatment was lower than the cost of processing the offender through the legal system and imprisonment. (Prentky and Burgess, 1990)

Once an inmate is released, they should not be forced to continue treatment. Once time is served, the individual is free and should have the same rights as regular citizens. Forcing an individual who has served their time and earned their freedom to complete any sort of program is a violation of their Constitutional Rights. It would be no different than requiring random citizens off the street to complete the classes. Mandating treatment after release predisposes that the individual will offend again. This is a form of prejudice. However, if the previous offender is on probation or parole, continued treatment could be a condition of their release. This is appropriate because the offender's release is already contingent upon other factors. A conditional release is means the offender has to complete certain requirements or face incarceration. Adding treatment to their list of conditions is no different than adding community service hours. It's simply a condition they agree to upon their early release. The offender would be receiving treatment if they were to remain in prison for the duration of their original term any way.