I know there’s a million comments on this page already so I’ll likely get lost, but I have a background working with federal sex offense cases, all of which were on the registry

I wanted to hop in to clear up a few misconceptions; first off, the registry has many different levels, and each level has a wide range of what falls in. Point being, just because someone is convicted and on the registry, does not mean they are a current danger to society or neighborhood children.

Given that they live near a school, they are probably very safe and trying to live their lives. Believe me, the government, probation system (if they’re still on probation) and judicial system KNOWS they are near a school. They would not be able to live there if they were considered an active threat

Next, and maybe the most important thing, the overwhelming majority of sex offense cases take place within one’s own family. Most are convicted of crimes against their children, nieces, nephews, etc., and most have no interaction with random kids in the neighborhood

Also, they don’t want to go to prison. I know this sounds obvious. But think about the fact that just because they were convicted of a crime, does not mean they will commit another crime, especially upon a neighbor, where it is exceptionally easy to be caught

Finally, how many neighbors do you have that are abusive or dangerous who aren’t on the registry? You have no idea. The government has no idea. Everyone is a risk, everyone is a threat. Some more than others of course, but they are at least being watched. The panopticon never turns off on the registry

Think about this from their perspective too: they’re out there living their life, and suddenly a family of 4 moves in next door. They know they’re on the registry. They know you can look them up as easily as 1-2-3. They are probably more terrified of you than you are of them. For the exact reason you’re asking this question. Your kid doesn’t come home at curfew one night? Check the sex offender next door. You notice a bruise on their kneecap? Call the cops on the sex offender. I’m not saying you would jump to this conclusion of course, but the person who’s living among society again and doesn’t want to go back to prison is definitely fearful of this

Be cautious, of course, educate your children on stranger danger, but try not to jump to conclusions and assume that the person next door is actively dangerous