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The Controversy Behind Labeled IDs for Sex Offenders By Faith P. – Criminal Justice Intern State-issued driver’s licenses, also known as identification cards, are one of the most common government documents. Not only do these cards permit individuals to legally operate motor vehicles, but they are also required to verify an individual’s identity in many circumstances. Most of these identification cards contain the same personal information for everyone; however, sex offenders in some states are required to have one more piece of information. According to Probation Information Network’s research, 9 states require offenders to obtain an ID that has specific markings intended to identify the individual as a sex offender. Five of these states require a small symbol that signifies to law enforcement that the owner of the ID is a sex offender, whereas the other four states require phrases like “Sex offender” to be printed in bold letters on the individual’s license. Recently, thi…

Why Reentry Programs Should Be Open to Sex Offenders By Debron B. – Criminal Justice Intern Reentry resources are pivotal to every returning citizen's reintegration into society, especially sex offenders.  Despite that, sex offenders have to deal with additional barriers that obstruct their reentry process.  It is believed that by giving offenders an opportunity to impact their communities positively, they will be less likely to recidivate back into the prison system.  Contradictory to this belief, sex offenders are often denied the chance to reintegrate into their local community and even get harassed for attempting to find work and employment.  It is beneficial for both the sex offenders and the general public that this subset of returning citizens is given the ability to use the same reentry resources as others. Sex offenders are in dire need of more reentry programs that cater to their specific residential and employment needs.  Numerous states still have employment …

Why Sex Offender Residence Distance Restrictions Are Problematic By Emma V. – Criminal Justice Intern Individuals who have been mandated to register for their state’s sex offender registry must not only encounter hardships of societal re-entry after incarceration, but also navigate laws set forth by the state pertaining to sex offender registration requirements.  One of the most restrictive of these requirements dramatically complicates registrants’ integration back into society after incarceration.  Residence distance restrictions forbid sex offenders from living within a fixed number of feet or blocks from certain locations.  Many states restrict offenders from residing near playgrounds, schools, and churches.  Realistically, finding a residential area without at least one of these institutions proves to be near impossible.  This hinders a sex offender’s chance at a smooth transition back into society and causes even more strain on an individual who is unable to find hous…