Includes bibliographical references (p. 211-217) and index.

Is sex offender policy based on accurate assumptions? Tougher laws on sex offenders increase public safety / George F. Allen ; Tough laws and vigilant prosecution are the best defense against sexual predators / Alberto R. Gonzales ; Child molestation has reached epidemic proportions / Dana D. Kelley ; Research and statistics debunk common misconceptions / Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers ; Americans exaggerate threats posed by sexual predators / Benjamin Radford ; Clarifying the facts can strengthen public policy / Eric Lotke and Herbert J. Hoelter ; Most sex offenders are not murderers / Lisa L. Sample -- Is treatment for sex offenders effective? Treating sex offenders makes sense / Pamela D. Schultz ; Treatment for pedophiles reduces victimization / Douglas J. Edwards ; Treating sex offenders is a waste of resources / John Florez ; Pedophiles are criminals, not patients / Thomas S. Szasz -- What controversies surround sex offender policy? Registries and community notification target the wrong people / Michelle L. Meloy ; Iowa's residency restrictions have proven unsuccessful / Iowa County Attorneys Association ; GPS tracking of sex offenders fails to protect children and promotes panic / Katharine Mieszkowski ; Juveniles engaging in consensual oral sex should not be punished / Karen Houppert ; Legislation must be based on scientific research / Richard B. Krueger ; Death penalty for sex offenders sends the wrong message / Debra Saunders ; Castration should be an option for sex offenders / Tamara Dietrich ; Castration is in appropriate and immoral / Daily Press, Newport News, Virginia -- How can sex offender policies be improved? Policy should emphasize public health and restorative justice / Eric S. Janus ; Policy shift needed to protect children on the Internet / Michelle Collins ; Reform the state of limitations to bring victims justice / Marci A. Hamilton ; The National Sex Offender Public Registry is a cost-effective and powerful tool / Regina B. Schofield ; Containment and surveillance plus registries equals real protection / Kim Talman ; Targeting offenders' re-entry into society and community education are key / Deborah Donovan Rice.