VI. Sex Offenders

Assessment Issues:

A frequent misconception is that there is a common profile of sex offenders, and that the behaviors that define a sex offender are well known. However, assessment of sex offenders is a complicated process.

Many sex offenders tend to have a slightly different profile than "typical" criminals. They tend to be high school graduates, more likely employed, and score low on traditional risk scales. Sex offenders seem to live according to society's standards but there are multiple problems underneath their façade.

Sex offenders tend to make inappropriate requests, create discrepancies between information that others have (such as staff, treatment providers, family), lie or contradict, be rude or threatening, try to take control of interviews, focus on irrelevant issues, and consume an inordinate amount of time (Center for Sex Offender Management, 2002). There are instances where an assessment can be augmented by a clinical interview, psychometric or physiological assessment. Some offenders will exhibit intimacy deficits, and sexual and emotional self-regulation issues. Not all sex offenders will have mental health issues that require special resources, but staff should be aware that in some instances they might be necessary.