30 of the 50 states in the US have a “Megan’s Law” which lets residents search a database of sex offenders so you can see how close they are to you, what they were convicted of, and most of the time there is a picture of what they look like. There are several concerns about this system – mainly worry that having a list of addresses and names will turn some of their neighbors into vigilantes, taking the law into their own hands.
I read an article today from California in which they think a man who was stabbed to death, was killed because of an incorrect submission to Megan’s Law. This man was entered on the registry as a child molester. The incorrect part of it wasn’t his name or his address oe that they got the wrong man, it was that he wasn’t a child molester, but had in fact raped several women, not children. Cuz you know, that is so much less of a violent act. And while it may be less heinous than raping a child, it is still incredibly awful and wrong. As far as the journalist knew, this was the only case of vigilantism due to a Megan’s Law entry.
I mention all this because yesterday, on the morning show here, a couple’s 2 daughters were raped and murdered by a sex offended who lived in their building and they had no idea. Would knowing have made them more cautious? Maybe. They possibly wouldn’t have rented the place they did. People argue that these criminals have a right to anonymity and a right to not be targeted. Well, those 2 girls had a right to live their lives. Their family had a right to not have to go through this. Why does it seem the justice system does more to protect criminals than it does to protect victims?
You think you can get to know your neighbors or trust them to talk to your kids, keep an eye on your place while you’re gone, get your mail, but it seems these days you can’t trust anyone you don’t know. If the man living next door to me has been convicted of and served time for child molestation or rape, that’s something I’d like to know. There’s a reason they don’t let sexual predators live close to schools after they’re done serving their time and being “rehabbed” (I use that term very lightly).
Colours of Sunset 
In theory, if these people are still dangerous, they shouldn’t be let out. And the ones who are let out are entitled to move on with their lives. Of course, reality and theory don’t always match.
You are right … in theory they should be able to get on with their lives. But I don’t believe people like that can just change with some prison time and counseling.
I’d be interested to see the %age of people who offend again upon being let out after serving their time and deemed “rehabilitated”. I just don’t believe in rehabilitation.