RD264 - Annual Summary Report on Sexually Violent Predator Referrals, Commitments, and Bed Utilization


Executive Summary:
During the 2006 session, the Virginia General Assembly enacted two changes in the Code of Virginia that are projected to increase the number of people committed to the sexually violent predator (SVP) program. The first change, which became effective on July 1, 2006, changed the screening instrument used to identify individuals for assessment as a sexually violent predator from the "RRASOR" to the "Static 99." The second change, which will go into effect on January 1, 2007, expands the number and type of qualifying crimes to be considered when evaluating someone for commitment to the program.

While the SVP program began in 2003, it is difficult to forecast six years into the future with limited data on the impact of these policy changes. Early indications suggest significant growth. Evaluations for SVP eligibility have increased from an average of 4 per month to about 12 in recent months. Actual commitments to the Virginia Center for Behavioral Rehabilitation (VCBR) have increased from an average of less than one per month to about 5 per month. Referrals to the conditional release component of the program are also increasing, from a total of five cases between April 2003 and July 2006 to more than one per month recently.

At the forecasted rate of growth, the new VCBR facility in Nottoway County is expected to exceed its maximum capacity of 300 by January 2012. After that date, accommodation of additional commitments to the program would require consideration of other options, including a second facility, continued use of the current temporary facility in Dinwiddie County, and expanded use of conditional release.