https://doi.org/10.1177/0887403408322119

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Examining the Impact of Sex Offender Residence Restrictions on Housing Availability

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2009

Abstract

This study explores the potential impact of residence restrictions on housing availability for registered sex offenders in Camden County, New Jersey (N = 211). The proportion of registered sex offenders who live within typical exclusionary zones of 1,000 and 2,500 ft of schools, day care centers, churches, and parks is determined using the Geographical Information System mapping technology. The majority of sex offenders live within 2,500 ft of schools (71%) and day care centers (80%), and 88% live within 2,500 ft of any of four hot spots. Comparatively, 80% of nonoffending citizens live within 2,500 ft of such places. Offenders of adult victims live significantly closer to schools compared to those with child victims. The results suggest that a majority of sex offenders would be unable to live in their current homes if residence restrictions were in place, and that few options for housing exist outside of common buffer zones.

Publication

Criminal Justice Policy Review

Publisher

SAGE Publishing

Volume

20

Issue

1

Pages

91-110

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Peer Reviewed

1

Publication History

Article first published online: July 8, 2008; Issue published: March 1, 2009

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