Social disorganization and residential locations of registered sex offenders: is this a collateral consequence?

Guided by social disorganization theory, this research assesses the characteristics of neighborhoods where registered sex offenders (RSOs) reside. Drawing on data from 1,504 RSOs in 4 urban counties analysis compares both census tracts with any RSOs and high concentrations of RSOs with the counties containing these census tracts. Findings show that RSOs are likely to live in areas with greater social disorganization than their containing counties and the nation as a whole. Census tracts with high concentrations of RSOs show the most social disorganization. Results also suggest that RSOs are relegated to such locations rather than living there by choice.