Sex offenders pose a unique set of problems for those advocating for the homeless.
Det. Donald Pauley, who oversees Lawton’s Sex and Violent Offender Registry, explained Lawton Police Department’s existing policies for sex offenders and the registry, as members of the City Council’s Homeless Action Committee continue to weigh decisions about homeless issues. That includes locations that can be created as outdoor camping areas for homeless people who no longer are allowed to camp overnight in public places such as in city parks or on city sidewalks.
That issue is complicated by the fact there are registered sex offenders in Lawton — and some who are not registered — who are homeless, usually because state law places restrictions on where such registered offenders can live, in proximity to youth.
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Pauley said state law requires sex offenders in Lawton to register and check in with the police department every seven days, and that includes those who say they are homeless. Failure to check in can result in arrest, he said. He said some claim to be homeless, but simply don’t have a place to stay because of state statutes (registered sex offenders may not live within 2,000 feet of a facility/place with children).
There is one entity that is trying to help. Grandeur of Grace is working with veterans in the community, and that has included those who are sex offenders. Brooke Brown, executive director, said one of the services they provide is housing and for sex offenders, that typically means placement somewhere outside the city limits.
“The laws make it difficult,” she said, citing the barriers to housing that such individuals face.
Brown said housing outside the city limits causes its own problems because it makes it difficult for such individuals, when dealing with issues such as transportation and jobs.
“Many do want to better themselves,” she said. “We try to eliminate barriers.”
Pauley confirmed that state law specifies registered sex offenders cannot live within 2,000 feet of places such as schools, parks and day care centers (to include home day cares registered by the state).
“Everyone has to get their addressed okayed,” Pauley said, adding the law essentially excludes 85 percent of Lawton.
Check in every 7 DAYS???? What kind of idiocy is that?
Talk about ridiculous.
Easy solution, but those in power rule by emotions vs facts.
That’s crazy, In California if you’re homeless you have to register every 30 days only people labeled a (SVP) have to register every 7 days.
Without realizing it, they’re making compelling arguments for eliminating the registry (or at least residency restrictions).
We need to challenge these and other laws that violate basic human rights. Example in 2013 a parks ban against registered citizens in San Antonio Texas is still in affect. In California such was ruled unconstitutional in a state appeals Court. Perhaps filing in a federal court to get the same ruling would help to fight these laws in rouge states.