Research for online offense cases.
An exploration of scientific findings regarding offenses involving online child pornography, contact, and/or luring.
The materials connect the circumstances of an online offense with questions about motivation, sexual interests, and future risk. Comparisons of image-based and contact offending sit alongside discussions of grooming, luring, and the limits of recidivism research. Other readings explore how anonymity, disinhibition, and compulsive internet use shape behavior, including considerations involving adolescents and autism. Together, these themes give attorneys context for examining whether an evaluation’s conclusions and recommendations account for the individual’s history, behavior, and assessment needs.
This is a CLE training Dr. Simpson has provided for the State Bar of Arizona, United States Air Force, Pima County Public Defender’s Office, and Arizona professional organizations.
Reading a risk opinion
The assessment readings distinguish non-contact image offending from contact histories and discuss the CPORT tool, offender characteristics, and aggravating or mediating circumstances that may inform an individual evaluation.
Interpreting reoffending research
The readings examine reported low rates for non-contact image offenders alongside unreported offenses, follow-up periods and differences among samples, explaining the context behind the findings.
Understanding the online setting
Readings on internet compulsions cover accessibility, anonymity, and social connection. Luring, age play, adolescent development, and autism offer further context for interpreting the circumstances of online interactions.
