Resource Guide
Research & Data Resources
Authoritative studies, statistics, and journalism supporting registry reform
1Recidivism
- Bureau of Justice Statistics (2019) – Only 7.7% of released sex offenders were rearrested for a new sex crime within 9 years.
- BJS National Data – About 60% of drug offenders, 64% of property offenders, and 43% of violent offenders were rearrested for the same type of crime within 9 years.
- California DMV Study (2025) – Between 21–47% of DUI offenders are reconvicted for DUI within 5 years.
- Arson Recidivism Study – About 9% of arsonists are convicted of a new arson within 9 years.
Research Highlight: Same-type recidivism for sex offenses (7.7%) is dramatically lower than for drug (60%), property (64%), DUI (21–47%), or violent crimes (43%).
2Constitutionality
- Smith v. Doe (2003) – Upheld Alaska's registry as "civil," relying on now-debunked "frightening and high" myth.
- Does v. Snyder (6th Cir., 2016) – Michigan's registry restrictions found punitive, violating the Ex Post Facto Clause.
- Packingham v. North Carolina (2017) – Struck down broad internet bans; Court acknowledged severe burdens.
- Carpenter & Beverlin (2012) – Legal scholarship showing registries have "evolved into punishment."
Legal Callout: Courts are increasingly skeptical of registries' constitutionality, especially when retroactively applied.
3Effectiveness
- NIJ Megan's Law Study (2008) – Found no reduction in sex crime rates or recidivism in New Jersey.
- ABA Review – Residency restrictions failed to prevent crime and increased homelessness.
- Sentencing Project (2023) – Registry growth has not contributed to long-term crime decline.
Urgent Finding: No credible evidence shows registries reduce sex crimes; some research suggests they worsen outcomes.
4Harms & Collateral Consequences
- Levenson & Cotter (2005) – Over half of registrants lost jobs or housing due to public disclosure.
- NYT Reporting (2007) – Residency restrictions in Miami forced dozens to live under a highway bridge.
- Vice News (2018) – Public registries have led to assaults and even murders of registrants.
- Levenson & Tewksbury (2009) – Family members of registrants report harassment, bullying, and social ostracism.
Reminder: The registry punishes not only individuals but also their families, children, and communities.
5Societal & Civic Impact
- Sentencing Project (2023) – Crime declines pre-date registries; Patty Wetterling now calls laws overly broad and ineffective.
- New Yorker (2016) – Human stories show lives destroyed for low-level or juvenile offenses.
- Radiolab – The List – Explores the history of registries, myths, and realities.
Advocacy Note: Registries were born of panic. Evidence-based reform is now widely recognized as essential for true public safety.