Researchers found that crimes committed by sex offenders have not been reduced as a result of Megan’s Law questioning the $5.1 million cost since 2007.
That’s like saying locks don’t deter burglars, so we shouldn’t spend the money on installing locks on doors.
The intention of the law is to alert parents to sex offenders living in their communities, not to stop the behavior of sex offenders.
The wrong questions are being asked. Where is the $5.1 million being spent, and if the issue is awareness, can it be done differently or more cost effectively? Fortunately, State Sen. Bill Baroni said the study “completely misses the point.”
Deborah Jacobs, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, called such laws, “political Band-Aids that don’t stay on.” She suggests instead that we help the victims.
No, Ms. Jacobs – let parents protect their children from offenders so they don’t become victims.
As to the proper use of $5.1 million – use the power of what all moms know, Word of Mouse to create awareness, and reduce your budget.