Policy change involving where paroled sex offenders can live
A big change in California involving where paroled sex offenders are allowed to live.
In 2006, California voters passed Prop 83, also known Jessica’s Law. According to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, it enhanced the state’s ability to detect, track and arrest sex offenders. It also prohibited newly paroled sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of parks and schools.
This past March, the California State Supreme Court ruled the latter part of the law was “unconstitutional.” The court found in San Diego County, blanket restrictions banned offenders from more than 97 percent of available rental housing, which contributed to homelessness and access to services.
Regardless of where they are living, these parolees are still under the watchful eye of authorities and are subject to compliance checks.
“I would hope the offenders won’t do that,” explained Monterey County Deputy District Attorney Ed Hazel, “that they would at least recognize that they’re still on parole, they’re still being monitored, they’re still being tracked and if they were to do something, they’d be detected relatively quickly.”
According to the CDCR, 71 percent of the paroled sex offenders in Monterey County are no longer living with restrictions. It’s uneasy news to some parents.
“It’s scary,” Meredith said. “You think you could come to the park and not have to think about the people around and that you hope that you’re safe anywhere you are, where children can be present.”
However one grandparent found a silver lining.
“But you know it could turn into a good thing where now everybody is more prone to talk with other parents and get to know other parents that come to the park so that, you know, nobody’s a stranger,” Rebecca said.
This news comes days ahead of a court update regarding violent sexual predator Eldridge Chaney, Jr. He’s set to be conditionally released once housing is found for him. While the Department of State Hospitals cannot speak to his case directly because of HIPAA, patients undergoing conditional release must follow all the restrictions of Jessica’s Law.
