Residency and Proximity Restrictions: Ineffective, Counter Productive and Harmful
INTRODUCTION:
In recent years, restrictions against where registered people may live have become commonplace. These restrictions were created on the theory that proximity to areas where children congregate would tempt those convicted of sexual offenses into re- offending. However, despite their popularity, residency and presence restrictions have not shown to be effective. In fact, research has concluded that the imposition of these types of restrictions do not improve public safety and actually cause more harm than good.
Current Texas Policy:
Texas does not have a state-wide residency restriction law for registered people who have served their sentences, but many cities have enacted their own ordinances to limit where registrants may live.
Guidelines of Texas Parole and Probation Departments also restrict most registrants on supervision from living and visiting within specific distances of places such as schools, parks, day care centers, and other places designated as ‘child safe zones’ -- where an offense is already least likely to occur.
The Facts:
Residency restriction laws and ordinances have no empirical support. They create instability, harm families, and waste resources. Research consistently shows that these types of restrictions do not reduce sexual re-offense, do not reduce the rate of new sex offense cases, do not stop or reduce child sexual abuse, are not based on facts and evidence, and do not contribute to public safety.
Please read the entire packet - CLICK HERE