NM- State brings in doctor to discuss medical treatment for sex offenders

10-21-2008 New Mexico:

State lawmakers brought in an expert Monday to learn more about "chemical castration." They want to know if the medical treatment will be effective way to deal with sex offenders in New Mexico.

Dr. Fred Berlin is best known as the man who diagnosed and testified about serial killer Jeffery Dahmer's sexual disorders during his trial. He is now being questioned about pedophilia, sex crimes and chemical castration.

"I think that lowering testosterone enables some sex offenders to be in better control of themselves. That's not only in their best interest, but the interest of the community and I think that should be explored as an option here," Dr. Berlin said.

New Mexico lawmakers have talked about surgical castration for some sex offenders in the past, but the idea never took hold.

After Monday morning's session, neither committee chairman seemed to embrace the treatment as a punishment the state could force on convicted sex offenders any time soon.

"This is not a one size fits all solution, we need to make sure we get treatment for people who can be treated," said Democratic state Representative Al Park.

Dr. Berlin's expertise doesn't come cheap. The state shelled out $6,000, plus travel expenses to hear from him.

Lawmakers said it was worth it because they learned about ways to protect the community. ..News Source.. by 4KOB.com