TITLE
Recommendation to request Police Chief Batts, with the support of my colleagues, to report back to City Council within 60 days on how the Police Department will enforce the new sex offender legislation that will become effective July 1, 2006; and to clearly define areas within Long Beach where "high risk" child molesters cannot live.
DISCUSSION
Under existing law, an inmate who is released on parole for certain sex offenses involving child victims or dependent persons is prohibited from residing within one-quarter mile of any public or private school, for the duration of his or her parole. On October 5, 2005, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law new legislation (AB1 13), designed to strengthen existing law by prohibiting "high risk" child molesters on parole from living within half a mile of public or private schools through grade 12, effective July 1st, 2006. "High risk child molesters are those offenders the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation determines pose a high risk to the public to repeat hislher offense while on parole. With many of Long Beach Unified School District's Schools in close proximity to one another, it is very likely that there are limited areas where these "high risk" child molesters can live. It is necessary to communicate to the public where it is possible for these individuals to reside, and also to allow residents the opportunity to be educated on what measures they can take to protect their children.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
I, therefore, request with the support of my colleagues, for Chief Batts to report back to Council within 60 days on how the Department will enforce this new legislation that will become effective July 1st, 2006, and to clearly define areas within Long Beach where "high risk" child molesters cannot live.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
COUNCILMEMBER BONNIE LOWENTHAL
FIRST DISTRICT