PATAKI EXTENDS SEX OFFENDERS’ CONFINEMENT

Governor George Pataki has ordered state officials to keep some sexual predators locked up after their prison sentences are up, despite objections from those who say it may not be legal.  He issued the order September 12 after failing for years to persuade lawmakers to pass legislation authorizing civil confinement for sex offenders.  The order extends the state's involuntary commitment law, normally used for the mentally ill, to sexual predators.  It requires offenders nearing the end of their sentences undergo an evaluation to determine if they are a public safety risk.

(New York)