Not fated to reoffend
Editor,
Many people might decide to call me a “bleeding heart liberal” because of my opinions, however, it’s unfortunate that there’s a widespread belief many have that all sex offenders are “sexual predators” who can’t and won’t change because hard statistics just don’t back this claim up.
Yes, there are a small minority of very dangerous sexual predators out there with sexual recidivism rates near 50 percent. Problem is, less than 10 percent of all sex offenders fall under this predator category.
There have been many, many studies that show that most sex offenders do not reoffend. Perhaps the most notable of these is a 1998 meta-analysis of 61 follow up studies involving 23,393 sex offenders. It showed that, on average, the sex offense recidivism rate was only 13.4% (Source: Hanson, R. Karl and Bussière, Monique T. (1998) “Predicting Relapse: A Meta-Analyses of Sexual Offender Recidivism Studies.” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 66(2): 348-362.) Which means that of the 23,000 sex offenders studied, 20,000 of them did not reoffend.
This fact is further backed by the Bureau of Justice Statistics Criminal Offender Statistics, which stated, “Sex offenders were less likely than non-sex offenders to be rearrested for any offense – 43 percent of sex offenders versus 68 percent of non-sex offenders.” (source: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/crimoff.htm). Further, according to this report, “Of the 9,691 male sex offenders released from prisons in 15 states in 1994, 5.3 percent were rearrested for a new sex crime within three years of release.”
That doesn’t mean the sex offender registry isn’t a good thing, however, hard facts show that Colleen Thorton’s view that all sex offenders are doomed to reoffend is flat out wrong.
Brian E. Oliver
Criminal Justice grad student
University of Missouri, St. Louis
No longer a threat
Editor,
Not all sex offenders are child predators. People make mistakes. What about the drug dealer that goes to jail and returns to the neighborhood and sells your child drugs and after they are hooked puts them to work to support their addiction? Where is the registry for them? There are real predators out there and I do not condone the actions of men or women who molest children. Mistakes are made and every day offenses are being made against children by family members and people in authority.
It has been stated that sex offenders can’t and don’t change; that they will always be sexual predators. How do we account for the low recidivism rate for reoffending among sex offenders? The DOJ and FBI places that rate at 1 percent. The other 99 percent are trying to get on with their lives and enjoy the same freedoms that you enjoy with families and jobs. Over half a million registered offenders are living free in our society.
No I am not a bleeding heart. My victim was an adult. What I did was wrong and I am in therapy to learn the tools to keep from ever reoffending. With that and the forgiveness of my Lord and Savior, society is safe from me. Do you really believe more laws and banishment of all sex offenders will keep you safe? Who keeps our children safe from the guilt by association label attached?
Chaplain Clair E. Luckabaugh, via e-mail
Thanks for new road
Editor,
Thank you to any and all departments and persons who brought into reality the restoring of Burena Vista Road, especially to City Councilman Robert Scattini for his interest and effort on behalf of this area’s residents and traffic. We deeply appreciate and thank you.
Mr. and Mrs. Donald E Beresini, Hollister
Flyover won’t increase traffic
Editor,
The 152/156 flyover will not increase truck traffic in San Benito County. Here are some reasons why:
First, truckers don’t like to stop or slow down. Truckers who take the flyover to 156 to get to 101 will face a slowdown on the ramp. Strike one.
Strike two happens at the Fairview/Shore intersection. That light is always red.
Strike three can happen at numerous points. One is the 156/San Felipe light. The other is the 156/25 light (coupled with a nasty 90 degree slowdown should the trucker want to take 25). Yet another swing and a miss is at the “four corners” stop sign at Dunnville, complete with a windy Shore Road with numerous, truck unfriendly turns.
Highway 152 into Gilroy may not be the greatest road for truckers, but it’s not only the shortest route to 101, but also the one with the least amount of slowdowns. San Benito County official have nothing to worry about. Let the construction begin!
John Rinck, via e-mail
Public: get involved
Editor,
Attending our Board of Supervisors meeting on July 26 gave me the opportunity to observe the good and the things that if the county continues with will be very unhealthy. You don’t have to be an expert to notice when there is a weak seam that is not able to hold together.
You have to show, for this particular job, that you have the knowledge and to prove you are worth it in order to be accepted. You should be able to communicate without using your power for revenge. You have to show the will to please and get things done without discord. You must keep your word when you set a meeting and be sure you don’t miss it or fail. Remember, this meeting is costing someone else money. Get things done and be over with it.
The ones involved are the ones who are paying your jobs. I feel that for this county to succeed, it should be taken in a new direction. The cards have to be shuffled. It is overdue. The big mistake was giving the department heads so much power to make decisions and to spend money, many times unnecessarily, and neglect what really needs attention.
I feel the public, especially those who live and drive on the country roads, need to be interested so when they see things neglected, they can be maintained and do not be afraid to contact your supervisor. There is no way that these five supervisors alone, without the public support, will be able to succeed. I feel a wake up from the public will be helpful.
Our new leaders should listen and give some thought to the ones who come out with suggestions. Im my opinion, you can’t depend on many of the staff we have. To succeed, your impact is necessary.
I welcome our new county administrator. From what I have observed from her at this meeting, in the short introduction we had, I feel hope that she will be the leader to set the puzzle pieces where they fit. Again, I say, this is overdue. Congratulations Supervisor De La Cruz. Now that you are free, get to work. I feel District 5 has a good supervisor.
Just my opinion, I hope it’s yours too.
Amadeu Lima, via e-mail
