03
December
RESIDENCY LAWS UNDER MICROSCOPE (Restrictions aim to prevent repeat crimes and keep communities safe, but proof is not established critics say)
Across Long Island, communities concerned about the access sex offenders have to children have passed ever-tighter legislation restricting where convicted child molesters, rapists and other sex offenders can live. nationally, 21 states and hundreds of municipalities have similar laws on the books. But experts in sex-offender treatment and recidivism say there is little proof such measures keep communities safer or prevent sex offenders from striking again. Other experts say making it harder for sex offenders to find housing can lead to stress and instability, which can increase the likelihood they