The Iowa State Association of Counties is calling on state lawmakers to repeal the state’s residency requirement for sex offenders. Convicted offenders done serving their prison sentences must reside at least two-thousand feet away from any school or daycare, but ISAC Director Bill Peterson says that doesn’t make it easier to monitor the offenders.
Peterson says because of the two-thousand-foot rule, there are places in the state where sexual predators have no place to live. He says, “it turns them loose into areas where no one can keep track of them.” He says counties want lawmakers to replace the law with one establishing “No Loitering” or safe zones.
Peterson says that would prohibit sex offenders from entering or hanging out near schools or daycare centers. Right now, he says, “a sexual predator can drive up, spend all day in front of the school observing children, identifying targets, and there is no restriction on that.”
Peterson says the counties also recommend making sure sex offenders get treatment before they’re released from prison. They’re also calling for real-time electric monitoring for the most serious offenders, and more money for an education and awareness program for parents.