Examining the impact of sex offender residence restrictions on housing availability Article

Zgoba, KM, Levenson, J, McKee, T. (2009). Examining the impact of sex offender residence restrictions on housing availability . 20(1), 91-110. 10.1177/0887403408322119

cited authors

  • Zgoba, KM; Levenson, J; McKee, T

authors

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. © 2009 Sage Publications.

publication date

  • February 16, 2009

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 91

end page

  • 110

volume

  • 20

issue

  • 1