A rare and refreshing moment of honest journalism: Limited housing options contribute to sex offenders becoming homeless

This is a follow up to the story we posted yesterday: https://floridaactioncommittee.org/ok-5-men-arrested-at-okc-parks-for-violating-sex-offender-safety-zone-laws/

At least one news outlet got it right. While many outlets sensationalize stories like this, KOCO 5 News took a different approach. Instead of stoking fear, they acknowledged the deeper issue; that residency restrictions often leave people on the registry with nowhere to go, forcing them into homelessness. Parks become one of the only options left. And that desperate reality too often ends in arrest. They recognize that residency restrictions force persons required to register as sex offenders into homelessness, not by choice they need to find someplace, anywhere, to sleep. Parks are the logical choice because you can’t exactly camp out in someone’s front yard.

At least this news outlet recognized the point here. In their subheading they write, “five sex offenders were arrested at Scissortail Park after hours, highlighting the limited housing options for registered offenders.”

Here is the news story: https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-sex-offenders-housing-homeless/65606583
and here is the email for the journalist, in case you want to send a quick thank you note for reporting the facts: [email protected]

Even a short note makes a difference. Let’s show appreciation when journalists lead with truth — not fear.