Factors Contributing To Perceptions About Policies Regarding The Electronic Monitoring Of Sex Offenders: The Role Of Demographic Characteristics, Victimization Experiences, And Social Disorganization

The purpose of this article is to explore factors contributing to perceptions about electronic monitoring policies governing sex offenders. Guided by Tannenbaum\u27s theory of attribution and Shaw and McKay\u27s theory of social disorganization, the authors examine the influence of demographic characteristics, victimization experiences, and neighborhood characteristics on perceptions about policies regarding the electronic monitoring of sex offenders. Ordinary least squares regression and logistic regression analyses of stratified telephone survey data reveal that factors associated with favorable views on the use of global positioning satellite monitoring for registered sex offenders appear to stem primarily from individuals\u27 demographic characteristics. Experiential and neighborhood factors do provide some influence over individuals\u27 views of electronic monitoring policies for sex offenders. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed. © The Author(s) 2013