Police Perception of the Effectiveness of Megan’s Law on Sex Offenders

This study attempted to survey twenty-five out of the 100 sheriff’s departments in North Carolina. The survey questions ask officers’ opinions on the effectiveness of Megan’s Law, the dangerousness of sex offenders in their community, whether Megan’s Law could be changed to be a more useful tool, etc. The results indicate that law enforcement finds Megan’s Law to be a useful tool, particularly in its ability to raise awareness within the community. Whether or not it is responsible for the low recidivism noted in each county is debatable. There is the possibility that sex offenders are being controlled by the increased awareness, but the law may also be fueling unnecessary phobia. According to the police, Megan’s Law can be used against individuals whom society does not categorize as a sex offender. Further, it may lead to isolation of the sex offender, which hinders reintegration.