§ 54-365. Findings and intent.

(a)

The high level of threat that sexual predators and offenders present to the public safety, and the long-term effects suffered by victims of sex offenses, provide the city with sufficient justification to implement a strategy.

(b)

Repeat sexual offenders, sexual offenders who use physical violence, sexual offenders who prey on children, and sexual predators present an extreme threat to the public safety. Sexual offenders are extremely likely to use physical violence and to repeat their offenses, and most sexual offenders commit many offenses, have many more victims than are ever reported, and are prosecuted for only a fraction of their crimes. This makes the cost of sexual offender victimization to society at large, while incalculable, clearly exorbitant.

(c)

It is the intent of this article to serve the city's compelling interest to promote, protect and improve the health, safety and welfare of the citizens and visitors by creating areas around locations where children regularly congregate in concentrated numbers wherein certain sexual offenders and sexual predators are prohibited from loitering, prowling or establishing temporary or permanent residence.

(Ord. No. 4159-08, § 2, 7-28-2008)