AZRSOL . . . The inaugural public policy conference “New Directions in Sexual Offense Policy,” hosted by Arizonans for Rational Sex Offense Laws (AZRSOL), brought together a diverse group of experts, policymakers, and justice professionals to explore evidence-based approaches to sexual offense policy. Held in an academic setting, the conference aimed to challenge the status quo and propose alternatives to current practices. The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Emily Horowitz, Dr. Kristen Zgoba, and Judge Frederic Block, who presented decades of research demonstrating the inefficacy of sexual offense registries in enhancing public safety.

The conference’s evidence-based focus was complemented by powerful personal stories from AZRSOL founders Terry and Patricia Borden and communications director Vicky Campo, who shared their experiences of how current policies impact families and communities. This blend of data-driven analysis and personal narratives provided a comprehensive examination of the issues at hand.

Guy Hamilton-Smith’s presentation stood out for its focus on innovative, cost-effective re-entry models and emphasis on factors associated with desistance from crime. A panel discussion moderated by Hamilton-Smith further explored new directions in sexual offense policy, featuring diverse perspectives from public defenders, restorative justice advocates, and sexual violence prevention experts. Legal expertise was provided by Paul Dubbeling, who shared insights from his successful challenges to sexual offense laws, while Judge Frederic Block offered a valuable judicial perspective on the need for objective approaches in sexual crime cases and potential state-level adoption of legislation similar to the federal First Step Act.

The conference concluded with a networking reception, allowing attendees to connect with speakers, authors, and advocates. Overall, the AZRSOL conference took an important step towards fostering more rational and effective sexual offense policies in Arizona and beyond. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and emphasizing evidence-based approaches, the event provided a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and potential solutions in this complex and often emotionally-charged field.

The post AZRSOL’s first conference a success first appeared on NARSOL.