Civil Commitment of Sexual Predators: A Study in Policy Implementation (Criminal Justice)

Harris examines the implementation of state policies providing for the involuntary civil commitment of "sexually violent predators" (SVP’s). His analysis utilizes data drawing from six states between 1990 and 1999. He finds the policies to be robust, with a significant political base of support and validation from the courts’.. However, operationally the policies face an increasing population, arising from a steady flow of new commitments and a negligible number of discharges. Harris concludes that the policies’ long range sustainability is contingent upon significant funding, and that their organizational and legal viability may be undermined if resources fail to keep pace with the growing population.