Dear sir,
I work for NY state and involved in evaluating Sex Offenders.In the past year I have seen the program being set up and the changes it went through.
I think it can be done better and cost effectively.
Prior to the GOVERNOR supporting a law, please consider the following information regarding Sexual Offenses and laws.
1.There are 17+ states with commitment laws for Sexual Violent Predators (SVP). Out of them 2 STATES commit the SVPs for out patient treatment only.
2.The cost of commitment (of SVP) per year, as it is envisioned now in NY State is any where between $175000 to $220000. In TEXAS (where the commitment is only on an outpatient basis), the cost is $30000 (more population and bigger land mass than NY state).
3. ATSA(ASS. for the Treatment of Sex Abusers)study reviewed 20 best studies with good research design and came up with following conclusions.
A.Over 46 month follow up in the community, there is 17% recidivism for untreated sex offenders and 10% recidivism for treated sex offenders.
B. Institutional and community based programs are of equal utility for decreasing sexual recidivism.
C. Community based programs were superior to Institutional programs for decreasing violent recidivism.
D.Cognitive behavioral programs are more effective.
E. Recidivism for criminality and violent reoffending is low while supervision is in place. But the effect quickly dissipates once supervision is discontinued.
F. Failure or violation of past supervision is a clear risk factor.
G. Risk of sexually reoffending is inversly proportional to age.
I hope you will give lot of consideration to all issues prior to coming up with a law (with safety for public, as well as the costs involved).
- Submitted by V Inaganti on 11.30.06
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