When this story first aired at another site, I could not post it because it treated human beings as a disposable commodity. But seeing it at another site has prompted me into wanting to contact the reporter in hopes of bringing back some form of human dignity to news reporting.
This reporter and law enforcement official are blinded by the fact that this homeless problem being reported has a solution, and these are human beings that they are talking about.
Residency restrictions in Georgia are 1000 feet from child care facilities, churches, schools, or areas where minors congregate. Please contact 11ALIVE in Atlanta to make them aware that there is a solution for this inhumane treatment of human beings.
Talking Points:
Residency restrictions are a major factor causing this homeless problem. There are people in this story, and elsewhere, who would have a place to live were it not for the residency restrictions.
All research shows that residency restrictions are ineffective and that is why some states do not have them. All they do is increase homelessness, thereby making society less safe.
The sexual recidivism rate for people who have committed a sex offense is very low.
These individuals are human beings and should not be talked about as though they are otherwise. The coverage of this story was heartless.
The only way to make society safer is for these individuals to reintegrate back into society successfully as law-abiding citizens which requires a place to live, a job or source of income, and family/community support and mentorship.
Use your own talking points but remember that an aggressive tone causes the listener to ignore the message you are trying to convey: Season your words with grace, and a little honey goes a long way.
Thank the reporter for her interest in this story.
Contact Link: Contact 11ALIVE in Atlanta | 11alive.com
Click on E-mail Us and select 11Alive Investigates
On the state level, Georgia’s living, presence, and work restrictions exceed FloriDUH law. I don’t know if they have local ordinances.
Residence Restrictions: Depends on your date of conviction –OCGA §42-1-15 to §42-1-18
Before 6/4/2003: No restrictions except as imposed while On Paper
6/4/2003 to 6/30/2006: Cannot live within 1000 feet of child care facility, school, public or private park, recreation facility, playground, skating rink, neighborhood center, gymnasium, or “similar facilities providing programs or services directed towards persons under 18 years of age.”
7/1/2006 to 6/30/2008: Same as above but specifically includes churches, school bus stops, & public/community swimming pools
7/1/2008 & beyond: Same as above two but includes public libraries.
Does not apply if resided at location before establishment of prohibited area.
Employment Restrictions: OCGA § 42-1-15 to §42-1-16
*Any individual who committed an act between 1/1/06, & 6/30/08, for which such individual is required to register shall not be employed by any child care facility, school, or church or by or at any business or entity that is located within 1,000 feet of a child care facility, a school, or a church.
Any individual who committed an act between July 1, 2006, & June 30, 2008, for which such individual is required to register who is a sexually dangerous predator shall not be employed by any business or entity that is located within 1,000 feet of an area where minors congregate.
On & after July 1, 2008, no individual shall be employed by or volunteer at any child care facility, school, or church or by or at any business or entity that is located within 1,000 feet of a child care facility, a school, or a church if the commission of the act for which such individual is required to register occurred on or after July 1, 2008
On or after July 1, 2008, no individual who is a sexually dangerous predator shall be employed by or volunteer at any business or entity that is located within 1,000 feet of an area where minors congregate if the commission of the act for which such individual is required to register occurred on or after July 1, 2008.
Does not apply if employment at location existed before establishment of prohibited area.
Presence Restrictions: Notwithstanding any ordinance or resolution adopted pursuant to OCGA§ 16-6-24 or §16-11-36(d), it shall be unlawful for any individual to loiter, as prohibited by OCGA §16-11-36, at any child care facility, school, or area where minors congregate. OCGA §42-1-15
They do offer a path for removal. I believe a law that was recently passed for tier one to be removed after 5 yrs. Tier 2 and 3 at 10 yrs
Which state is passing this law? 🤨 I thought that every politician is trying to make us all lifers to look like they are actually doing something to keep the public “safe” and use us for easy votes?
Georgia did.
https://www.sorrb.org/news
I thought the feds said it had to be tier 1 15yrs, tier 2 25yrs, tier 3 life!! How did they manage to get this passed to get off the registry in those time frames. I see tho that moving there would not help cause my state says life so I guess it would stay life in Georgia
You could possible relieved of restrictions in Ga but would stay on in whatever state you relocate from.
And on that note, yes, families are torn apart by not being able to live together. How is that not inhumane?
Well, how can that particular rule not be retroactive, while the placement of PFR’s on the registry is? Is it just hit or miss?
So after reading this. Does anyone beofre July 1st 2008 have residency restrictions.
The 1,000 foot residency restriction established by state law in F.S. sec. 775.215 only applies to persons forced to register with Florida offenses on or after October 1, 2004 (or out-of-state/federal offenses on or after May 26, 2010) with a victim under 16 years of age.
However, that’s just the state law. A great many counties and municipalities in Florida have their own residency restrictions that tend to be harsher (typically up to 2,500 feet) and often apply to persons forced to register with offenses of any date, and some with victims of any age. So yes, many (perhaps most) persons forced to register in Florida have residency restrictions due to those aggressive city and county ordinances, even if the state law does not apply to them.
RM, I think What’s up with this is referring to the Georgia law:
https://state.sor.gbi.ga.gov/sort_public/42-1-15.pdf
Thats correct. I am considering the move myself in the future.
I was referring to the GA story. I live in FL. I don’t currently have residency restrictions because of the age of my case. But what about GA?
No sanctions that are retroactive to when the offense occured.
I think if you already live in a place, and they enact the restrictions, they cannot apply retroactively. But, those off of sanctions shouldn’t have any restrictions since this all feels like we are still on probation.
Name one other group or class of people who are done with their sentences, but police / sheriff’s can come to your door and demand to speak to you, ask for your license, question your neighbors if you are not home, etc, etc
How does a judge not see that as a civil rights violation. Law enforcement was formed to serve and protect, not to harass people who are no longer on sanctions. And if they try and say the registry is a sanctions, then bingo, Punitive. (Which we all know that is what it is anyway)
Also, a lot of people with this label are actually afraid to move because it’s a “frying pan, fire” situation. At least the power dynamics stay somewhat neutral if you’ve established a residence for at least 10 years, but that hierarchy changes the instant you move into another territory that long-time neighbors (cul-de-sac kings/queens) will push their weight around with arrogance and seniority.
Either way, to anyone thinking about moving any time soon, don’t expect welcome wagon, handshakes or a “house warming” gift basket. /s
@Facts
Lived here now for 17 years. When I first moved in, it was not so good, but now there are only 3 other families who have lived here longer than me so when someone complains about me, I tell them A) You should have checked before moving in to see if any offenders lived on the street and B) No matter how much you hate on me, I am not moving no matter how much dog poo you throw in my yard.
No one on the street tricker treats because of me. Really, just don’t come to my house, I am not stopping you from enjoying the holiday. Geez. Magical powers I must have, says Yoda.