Sex Offender Clusters Pose Less Threat
Posted on July 7, 2008
Filed Under Criminal Law, Sex Offenders |
There are 90,000 known sex offenders in the state of California. In most communities when a registered sex offender moves in, the neighborhood goes on the warpath. Parents’ fears are understandable. No one wants a sex offender living near their children. So where can they live?
In Fontana, CA, 26 sex offenders live in a cluster on a one-mile stretch of Foothill Boulevard. Of more than 2,700 sex offenders publicly registered in San Bernardino County, 209 live in Fontana. While such criminal clusters can raise public hackles, sex crime experts say the public’s fear is misplaced.
“Sex offenders living close to each other reduces risk, which is counterintuitive to the public,” said Dr. Wes Maram, vice chairman of the California Coalition on Sexual Offending, a coalition doctors, probation officers and victims’ rights groups. A Colorado study explored the impact of common city residency restrictions that limit one sex offender to a household. In a study of 100 sex offenders, those sharing living arrangements were less likely to commit new crimes.
It’s certainly an interesting social experiment; but as Maram admits, “When you’re dealing with fear, facts don’t matter.” Maram and his group believe current legal and law enforcement policies, rather than reducing new sex crimes may actually lead to their increase. Then there’s the added danger that public outcry will force sexual criminals underground. “I would rather know where they’re at than not know,” said Detective Holly Howell, an enforcement agent with the San Bernardino County sheriff’s Crimes Against Children Unit.
If you are charged with a sex crime, time matters. The penalties for conviction of a California sexual offense are serious and can be life-changing. The sooner you consult a skilled criminal defense attorney skilled in the handling of sexual offense cases, the better your defense.
-LegalPro
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