Where We Live: Reexamining Sex Offender Laws

States spend millions of dollars every year to imprison, treat and monitor sex offenders. But do these laws increase public safety, or create a false sense of security? 

Sex offender registries are in place nationwide, and local laws have been put in place to try and protect children from ex-offenders. 

But sex offender restrictions have been criticized by those who argue it’s unjust – even unconstitutional - to banish any segment of society, and that it’s more productive and cost-effective for most offenders to undergo parole and treatment in the community. 

Ordinances in six Connecticut municipalities ban convicted sex offenders from many public places frequented by children.

The “Child Safety Zone” ordinance is up for a vote this month in Greenwich. Coming up, we’ll explore how society treats sex offenders, what restrictions are effective, and the impact of treatment.