Dr. Tom Tobin, Vice Chair of the Sex Offender Management Board, was on NPR’s All Things Considered last week. During the segment, Dr. Tobin discussed the unintended consequences of Jessica’s Law.
On the issue of sex offender transience, he states: “I would rather know where a sex offender lives and be able to find him when I need to, than having him homeless and transient and having no idea where he is.”
He goes on to discuss the research indicating the factors related to homelessness that also increase the risk of recidivism. “Those factors that have been identified have to do with a failure of an individual’s support systems, an emotional melt down – feelings of intense depression or anger – and increased use of alcohol or other drugs. I think common sense would tell us that it is more likely to effect someone in a negative way.”
Click here to listen to the whole interview.