Two weeks ago, California became among the first states to relax rules about where registered sex offenders can live in relation to schools and parks, according to a recent article on Slate.com. In the Slate piece, criminologist Emily Horowitz of St. Francis College in Brooklyn and author of “Protecting Our Kids?: How Sex Offender Laws Are Failing Us,” says that sex offender registries, once thought to be a strong front-line protection against sex crimes against children, are largely “pointless.” Full Article
Read MoreDay: April 7, 2015
Let local governments set safety zones for children: Guest commentary
California’s sex offender laws are blanket policies that may not properly capture all of the nuances needed in various communities. While the state has laws that restrict where sex offenders can live, it is clear that communities know best where local children are most vulnerable and it is critical that local authorities have the necessary tools to protect them. Jessica’s Law already prohibits registered sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of schools and parks, but it does not restrict them from spending time in parks, community centers or other…
Read MoreFL: Marco Island may increase sex offender buffer zone
MARCO ISLAND, Fla. – Keep sex offenders out! That’s the message from Marco Island. The city might ban sex offenders from living 2,500 feet from where kids live, play and go to school. But, on an area as small as Marco Island, does that mean sex offenders will be banished completely? Full Article
Read MoreMI: Parts of state’s sex offender law unconstitutional
Michigan’s Sex Offender Registry law is so vague that parts of it are unconstitutional, including the requirement that offenders stay at least 1,000 feet from schools, a federal judge has ruled. Full Article Related Michigan’s unfair sex offender list (Commentary) Sex offenders can be within 1,000 feet of schools after federal judge strikes down parts of law
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