Public perceptions about community notification policie

The purpose of this study was not only to replicate a previous study, but also to examine public perceptions about sex offenders and community protection policies in a different geographical area. Data was obtained through the completion of online and paper surveys by sixty-one individuals living in a residential community within Kansas City, Missouri. The study hypothesized that the public would hold inaccurate beliefs about sex offenders. This hypothesis was supported by the community members' beliefs that sex offenders have higher recidivism rates and that sex offender treatment is very ineffective. The study also hypothesized that the public would show strong support for community protection policies. This hypothesis was also supported. Community members believed that registered sex offenders should disclose information and be required to attend treatment. Community members also indicated that they would support such policies despite empirical research proving that community notification policies are not effective in reducing sexual recidivism. Suggestions for future research and policy development are also discussed.