Geographic Exclusion: Spatial Analysis for Evaluating the Implications of Megan's Law

2007

Abstract:
In the state of Ohio, House Bill 180, Senate Bill 175 and Senate Bill 5 collectively form Megan's Law. This law requires individuals convicted of a sexually oriented offense to register with the local sheriff 's office at least twenty days prior to the move-in date of the offender. Beginning July 31, 2003, Megan's Law prohibited an offender of a sexually oriented offense from establishing or occupying a residence within 1,000 feet of any school-related properties. A major social concern with this law and its subsequent enforcement is the belief that the geographic constraints placed on registered sex offenders effectively eliminate nearly all residential housing options. The purpose of this paper is to explore issues of geographic exclusion by conducting a spatial analysis of registered sex offenders in Hamilton County, Ohio. Analysis using geographic information systems (GIS), proximity evaluation and basic statistical techniques enables the impacts of this law to be assessed. ..more.. by Tony H. Grubesic, Indiana University, Bloomington -and- Elizabeth Mack, Indiana University, Bloomington -and- Alan T. Murray, The Ohio State University, Columbus