DOI: 10.3886/icpsr37483.v1
title: Information Sharing and the Role of Sex Offender Registration and Notification, United States, 2009-2017
title: Version 1

description: This study was conducted to evaluate and better improve inter-jurisdictional consistency and coordination of SORN (sex offender registration and notification) systems operating within the United States under SORNA (the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act). The study examined the progress that has been made toward SORNA's goals as envisioned in 2006, with a particular emphasis on
changes in information sharing over that period. The study utilized a
mixed-method approach, including nationwide analyses of official data and a
series of in-depth state case studies featuring interviews with 152 federal,
state, and local personnel involved in various aspects of SORN operations and policy development across 10 states. Specific areas of focus included: 1) the nature, extent, and dynamics of state implementation of SORNA requirements; 2) the scope and evolution of information-sharing practices within the states, including both areas of success and challenge; and 3) the impacts of federal initiatives, including the expanded role of the US Marshal Service and information technology initiatives, on the achievement of SORNA's goals.
description: The purpose of this study was to see how effective the inter-jurisdictional consistency and coordination of SORN (sex offender registration and notification) systems operating within the United States under SORNA (The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act). The present study examined the progress that has been made
toward SORNA's goals as envisioned in 2006, with a particular emphasis on changes in information sharing over that period.
description: Phase 1 of this mixed study approach consisted of official data analyses. In this stage both federal resources and systems were analyzed after SORNA was established. For example, the SEP or SORNA Exchange Portal was created in 2008 to facilitate the exchange of information between jurisdictions in cases where a registered sex offender indicates an intention to relocate on either a temporary or permanent basis. Another way resources were analyzed was in a nationwide assessment of SORNA standard implementation where the team looked at state adherence to the standards in 50 states. The data source was a series of detailed compliance letters issued by the SMART (Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking) Office following its review of implementation packets submitted by state agencies between 2009 though 2017. Each letter was assigned to two research assistants who coded whether the state complied with the 14 standards of SORNA standards.
The second part of the study consisted of interviews with federal stakeholders to gain a deeper perspective on the implementation of SORN policies. A series of structured focus groups were conducted in 2016 and 2018 with probation and parole professionals explored the nature of interactions with state sex offender registration and notification systems.
description: In the SI Standards Dataset, there are fifteen variables compromised of state and fourteen sections. These fourteen sections are the Summary of SORNA standard areas. For example, section 1 is called "immediate transfer of information" which is used to measure if, within a specific state, the offender's information is released to other jurisdictions once he/she is registered.
description: Not applicable.
description: Response Rates: Not applicable.
description: Presence of Common Scales: None.
description: All 50 U.S. states are included in the sample for the quantitative data.
description: Datasets: 
DS1: SI Standards Dataset
description: Federal, state, and local personnel involved in various aspects of SORN (Sex Offender Registration and Notification) operations. Smallest Geographic Unit: State
description: mixed mode; on-site questionnaireThis collection excludes the qualitative data from this release. However, this collection will be enhanced to include qualitative data in the future.