Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Deborah Laufersweiler-Dwyer

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore how male sexual offender recidivism impacted sex crime investigations. Recidivism is a widely recognized social problem that affects all of society. Understanding the influence that male sex offender recidivism may have on a sex crime investigation is key to recognizing its relationship to recidivism. The methodology used in this study was a basic qualitative inquiry to explore how male sex offender recidivism impacts sex crime investigations. Based on Hirschi’s social bond theory, the study addressed ways a sexual offender may conform to societal requirements through attachments and personal values. The application of Hirschi’s social bond theory offered guidance in this research to identify how recidivism impacted an investigation and the investigators actions. The study utilized a sample size of 15 participants who met the criteria of being law enforcement professionals who investigate sex crimes. The data were collected by conducting face-to-face semi-structured interviews that were transcribed using a data collection application. The transcriptions were coded into themes and categories. Results of this study revealed male sex offender recidivism may impact an investigative direction that may reveal specific patterns and methods of the offender. Results revealed the social bonds an offender may have could serve as a focal point during the investigation. This study revealed implications for positive social change and provided suggestions for the development of agency procedures when investigating sex crimes that may create more efficient investigative work.

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