MS- AG: No new sex offender laws

The "arc of protection" is a ruse because no one has yet shown that crimes are committed at all in that protected area even before these "arc of protection" laws. The concept of "arc of protection" laws is a myth, one used by lawmakers to get votes and support but provides no real protection for anyone; a political myth, a tool used for ulterior purposes!

7-22-2009 Mississippi:

DESOTO COUNTY - Efforts to widen the "arc of protection" against sexual predators in DeSoto County have been hamstrung by state law.

In April, DeSoto County officials sought a State Attorney General's opinion as to whether they can expand the arc of protection that buffers schools and daycare centers from convicted sexual predators.

Attorney Jody Neyman, acting in the capacity of county attorney said Monday that the recently received State Attorney General's Opinion states that while the board does have the ability to adopt its own sexual offender laws separate and distinct from the State of Mississippi, they cannot supercede or go beyond state law.

"Under Mississippi's Constitution, a local government cannot pass legislation that exceeds state law," Neyman said.

District 4 Supervisor Allen Latimer, a high school history teacher, wanted to expand that arc of protection for schools and other places where children congregate from 1,500 feet to 2,500 feet.

"I was really disappointed that we didn't have any more authority than we have," Latimer said. "We should be able to enact anything for the safety of our people. Local government is what this country is based upon."

Latimer said under the Constitution, cities and local governments should have the power to expand protection.

"Right now, sex offenders can't live within 1,500 feet of a school - we can't expand that," Latimer said. "If we could have just extended it another 1,000 feet. That's at least three football fields."

Even though the effort failed, Latimer thanked the board for taking the steps necessary to expand protection.

"I appreciate the support in trying to protect the citizens of DeSoto County, but it seems like to me that our hands are tied," Latimer said.

Under state law, convicted sex offenders must register with the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department every 90 days."

There are currently 101 registered sex offenders living in DeSoto County. ..Source.. by ROBERT LEE LONG, Community Editor