GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS OF THE SEX OFFENDER RESTRICTION LAWS IN MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA, USA

Abstract

Sex offender restriction laws have generated a lot of discussions since they were initiated more than two decades ago. The laws require buffer zones against sex offenders in regards of residency and employment and notification to residents of neighborhoods where convicted sex offenders reside. States are saddled with the responsibility of deciding opportunity sites against which the buffer zones should be based and the distances that sex offenders should keep away from the opportunity sites. In Alabama, the designated opportunity sites are schools and daycares and sex offenders are required not to reside or get employed within 2000ft of these facilities. Residents within 1000ft and schools and day cares within 3 miles of residence of a sex offender are expected to be notified of the sex offender’s presence as a resident. This paper examines some f the implications of these restriction laws on sex offenders in the city of Montgomery, Alabama. The study found that 73% and 77% of developed land use areas and residential properties in the city fall within the restriction zone for sex offenders’ residency and employment. These have implications for sex offender recidivism, homelessness and possible loss of proper monitoring, supervision and treatment of sex offenders.