Sex Offenders and the Community

Sex crimes such as rape, statutory rape, sexual abuse and child pornography are a few of the crimes committed that will label someone as a sex offender. Sex offenders are a growing problem because of their threat to society once they are released back into the community. There is controversy over letting an offender back into the streets or keeping them in prison for a longer period of time for more rehabilitation. Some may say that once a person fulfills their sentencing requirements they should be deemed free to go back to living in society. Oppositionists suggest that offenders must be tested and deemed fit to be released back into the community.

The United States Constitution is in agreement that sex offenders should be deemed fit by the law before leaving prison. According to an article “What does the Supreme Court Ruling Mean for Sex Offenders,” by Kayla Webley with Time News Feed, “The Supreme Court ruled…that those inmates deemed ‘sexually dangerous’ can be held indefinitely-even after their prison terms are complete.” This gives more reassurance to society that they are being protected and can trust that the government will do everything possible to prevent a sex offender from a potential crime in the future. According to an article, “Extended Civil Commitment of Sex Offenders is Upheld,” by Adam Liptak with the New York Times, “The federal law at issue in the case allows the government to continue to detain prisoners who had engaged in sexually violent conduct, suffered from mental illness and would have difficulty controlling themselves.” These three key points are noted on every single person convicted as a sex offender. If the individual shows signs of the violent conduct, the mental illness or not showing self control, they will not be released into society.

With the Civil Commitment Law enacted, society can rest assured that they are being protected. Once a person becomes a sex offender, they are labeled forever. Sex offenders become registered for life and are easily located through an online search made possible by Megan’s Law. According to the Office of the Attorney General in the State of California, “California's Megan's Law provides the public with certain information on the whereabouts of sex offenders so that members of our local communities may protect themselves and their children.” With the Civil Commitment and Megan’s Law, society can easily have more insight on who committed a sex crime, who was made to stay in prison after their prison sentence was up, who was deemed fit to be released, where a sex offender is living and what crime they committed. These laws enable society to have more insight on who is living in their area.

Even with these laws intact, there is still room for a first time offender to commit a sex act, for a registered sex offender to commit a second act and for many people in society to not be educated of the people surrounding them in their community. The question to ask is this: Is it okay to allow sex offenders back into society once the government approves that they have passed the ‘test’ of being fit for the community? The answer is no because as mentioned, once an offender always an offender. It is easy to say that these sex offenders are given the benefit of the doubt but it is the duty of the community to not allow that to happen. This opens doors to the opportunity of committing a sex crime again. What to do with these offenders is in question but there is one thing for sure: they cannot commit a crime again.

Works Cited:
Liptak, Adam. “Extended Civil Commitment of Sex Offenders is Upheld.” The New York Times. 17 May, 2010: A3. Print.

“Megan’s Law.” Office of the Attorney General: State of California. 2009. Web. 16 June, 2010.

Webley, Kayla. “What Does the Supreme Court Ruling Mean for Sex Offender?” Time News Feed. Time News Feed, 17 May 2010. Web. 16 June, 2010.