CSI Lessons: Megan's Law

It’s not all the time that you pick up something interesting or good in whatever you are watching on the tube. Conservative and traditional parents would often say that watching too much television is not good for you; it corrupts the mind and pollutes it with nonsense and violence.

I admit I have been watching way too much CSI, but I did pick up a couple of “learnings” in some of its episodes; which for me is not nonsense at all. Thus, I would like to share with you…

Megan’s Law

In the United States, there is this law that mandates convicted sex offenders to register themselves at the local law enforcement of where they are residing after they are released from prison or psychiatric rehabilitation.

They are also required to notify the police of any changes in address and status of employment. The local law enforcement is then required to share the information of the sex offender, such as full name, home address, and a picture, which is then shared and displayed throughout the community in various mediums such as local newspapers, pamphlets, and community websites.

The primary purpose of this is to make the community aware and vigilant in reporting any suspicious actions by the individual or unusual occurrences within the vicinity of his residence.

Megan’s Law, also known as the Sexual Offender (Jacob Wetterling) Act of 1994, was crafted in response to the murder of seven year old Megan Kanka on July 29, 1994, by her neighbor who was a convicted sex offender, who served a total of 7 years in a correctional facility but was eventually released into the general population.

Unfortunately, a study would show that this law may not be that effective, considering that the state incurs huge costs in maintaining the database, and historical data indicates that despite its implementation, there would still be reoccurrences of sexual assaults and it did not stop first time offenders in committing the said crime.

It made me wonder if it would be effective if our country would employ such preventive measures. If not for sexual offenders, can it be revised or tweaked in such a way that it can be applied also to any convicted felon who was charged of any crime such as theft? Would there be any grave repercussions if such legislation is enacted? Would it be considered as an invasion to privacy if the community puts surveillance on the individual? Does it give the civilians more power to invoke citizen’s arrest, or will it trigger a lynch mob or vigilante execution?

Let’s just hope that our taxes are put to good use and that the government and local police are really doing everything in their capacity to ensure the safety and protection of each and every one of us.