Discussion 2: Comparing Offender Groups

Identifying characteristics and behaviors of offender groups may aid in understanding, explaining, and preventing criminal behavior, exploring the similarities and differences among these groups may help even more so. As you are aware, there are many types of offender groups. In this Assignment, you compare four of the major groups of offenders: mentally disordered offenders, sex offenders, violent offenders, and family violence offenders.

Offender groups and their subcategories are explained in detail in this week’s resources. As you examine each group of offenders, note various ways that the characteristics associated with the groups are interrelated.

For this Discussion, select two of the four groups of offenders (i.e., mentally disordered offenders, sex offenders, violent offenders, family violence offenders) and think about the similarities and differences among them.

By Day 4

Post a brief description of the two groups of offenders you selected. Then, compare the similarities and differences between the two groups. Finally, explain any insight you had or a conclusion you might draw as a result of comparing these offenders.

Note: Put the offender groups you described in the first line of your post. You will be asked to respond to a colleague who described a different group than you did.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the resources.