Demographics

Jail populations continue to be under-evaluated and under-researched. While there is a plethora of research on correctional incarcerated populations, there is a need to better assess jail populations as more people interact with this incarcerated institution than any other carceral facility. Jail booking rates can potentially be utilized as a key measure for public safety and in assessing the effectiveness of the criminal justice system – especially in a population that is not typically highly evaluated like a prison population. Tracking jail bookings over a long period of time can provide information for supporting these justice-involved individuals and promoting their success to reintegrate into the community following a jail stay.

Tracking recidivism can provide necessary information to support successful integration into the community following a prison sentence – which promotes community and public safety. Furthermore, understanding the individuals who are more likely to recidivate, and assessing demographic differences amongst the years can provide even more knowledge for supporting successful reentry.

Rates of recidivism have been commonly used as a key measure for public safety and in assessing the effectiveness of the criminal justice system – sentencing, jails, prisons, community supervision, treatment and reentry programming. There is continued interest in tracking recidivism rates beyond a three-year follow up. Tracking long-term recidivism can provide information for supporting incarcerated individuals and promoting their success to reintegrate into the community following a prison sentence.

This report reviews disparities in sex offender sentencing in Washington state using a Quantile Regression.